Information processing apparatus, program, and information processing system

ABSTRACT

An information processing apparatus is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a communication circuitry with an external apparatus in a noncontact manner by using a carrier of a predetermined frequency and charging an external battery in a noncontact manner; and a control circuitry configured to control a characteristic of at least one of communication and charging.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/658,346, filed Oct. 23, 2012, which is aContinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/814,618, filed Jun.14, 2010, which claims priority to Japanese Priority Patent ApplicationsJP 2009-147727 and JP 2010-004322 filed in the Japanese Patent Office onJun. 22, 2009 and Jan. 12, 2010, respectively, the entire content ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates to an information processing apparatus,a program, and an information processing system.

In recent years, mobile information processing apparatuses, such asmobile phones, having a noncontact communication function have beenwidely used.

A mobile information processing apparatus and a reader/writer or thelike communicate with each other by using a magnetic field (carrier) ofa specific frequency, such as 13.56 MHz. More specifically, thereader/writer transmits a carrier containing a carrier signal, and themobile information processing apparatus that has received the carrier byusing its antenna transmits a response signal to the received carriersignal by using load modulation, whereby the reader/writer and themobile information processing apparatus communicate with each other.

Concerning information processing apparatuses that perform communicationin a noncontact manner, various technologies for efficiently usingelectric power have been developed. For example, Japanese UnexaminedPatent Application Publication No. 2001-339327 discloses an informationprocessing apparatus that performs communication in a noncontact manner.In this information processing apparatus, electric power supplied to anantenna coil in order to detect another information processing apparatusis reduced to be lower than electric power supplied to the antenna coilduring information communication that is performed after the otherinformation processing apparatus has been detected.

SUMMARY

Concerning information processing apparatuses, such as mobile phones,having a noncontact communication function, a technology for charging abattery or the like in a noncontact manner has been suggested.Accordingly, it is predicted that a demand for mounting a noncontactcharging function in an information processing apparatus in addition tothe noncontact communication function will increase.

However, in a case where both the noncontact communication function andnoncontact charging function are mounted in an information processingapparatus, antennas for realizing both the functions are necessary, butthe performances necessary for the respective antennas are significantlydifferent from each other. For this reason, it is necessary to mount twoantennas, one for noncontact charging and the other for noncontactcommunication, in the information processing apparatus in order torealize both the functions. Considering the demand for miniaturizationof an information processing apparatus, addition of a large component,such as an antenna, is not favorable.

If a single antenna is used to realize both the noncontact communicationfunction and noncontact charging function, the efficiency of noncontactcharging decreases, the efficiency of data transmission decreases, orcommunication is difficult to perform, disadvantageously.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a new and improved informationprocessing apparatus, program, and information processing system thatenable efficient noncontact communication and noncontact charging withthe use of a single antenna.

According to an embodiment, there is provided an information processingapparatus including an antenna having a variable Q value, the antennabeing used for performing communication with an external apparatus in anoncontact manner by using a carrier of a predetermined frequency andcharging a battery in a noncontact manner by using the carrier, anobtaining unit configured to obtain information about charging of thebattery, a determining unit configured to determine whether charging ofthe battery is to be performed or not on the basis of the informationobtained by the obtaining unit, and a setting unit configured toselectively set the Q value of the antenna to a first value or a secondvalue in accordance with a determination result generated by thedetermining unit, the second value being larger than the first value.

With this configuration, noncontact communication and noncontactcharging can be efficiently performed by using a single antenna.

The battery may be included in the information processing apparatus. Theobtaining unit may include a charging authentication informationobtaining unit configured to obtain charging authentication informationtransmitted from the external apparatus, the charging authenticationinformation serving as information about charging of the battery, and aremaining power information obtaining unit configured to obtainremaining power information of the battery when the chargingauthentication information obtaining unit obtains the chargingauthentication information or during charging of the battery, theremaining power information serving as information about charging of thebattery. The determining unit may determine whether charging of thebattery is to be performed or not on the basis of the remaining powerinformation obtained by the remaining power information obtaining unit.The setting unit may set the Q value of the antenna to the second valuewhen the determining unit determines that charging of the battery is tobe performed and set the Q value of the antenna to the first value whenthe determining unit determines that charging of the battery is not tobe performed.

The information processing apparatus may further include a responsesignal transmitting unit configured to transmit a response signal forresponding to the charging authentication information to the externalapparatus when the determining unit determines that charging of thebattery is to be performed in a case where charging of the battery isnot being performed, and a charging continuation informationtransmitting unit configured to intermittently transmit chargingcontinuation information to the external apparatus when the determiningunit determines that charging of the battery is to be performed duringcharging of the battery.

The charging continuation information transmitting unit may transmit thecharging continuation information at a decreased data transmission rate.

The antenna may include a resonance circuit having a coil that has apredetermined inductance and a capacitor that has a predeterminedelectrostatic capacity, and a Q value changing circuit configured toselectively enable a load for changing the Q value or change aresistance value of the load.

The antenna may include a resonance circuit having a first coil that hasa predetermined inductance and a capacitor that has a predeterminedelectrostatic capacity, and a circuit that is placed near the resonancecircuit, that is selectively enabled to change the Q value, that iselectrically insulated from the resonance circuit, and that has a secondcoil.

The setting unit may set the Q value of the antenna from the first valueto the second value when the battery is exhausted to turn off theinformation processing apparatus.

The setting unit may set the Q value of the antenna from the secondvalue to the first value when a remaining power of the battery is equalto or higher than a predetermined threshold after the battery isexhausted to turn off the information processing apparatus.

The information processing apparatus may further include a voltagedetecting unit configured to detect a voltage input to the antenna, aresistor one end of which is connected to a ground, and a connectioncontrol unit configured to control connection between the antenna andthe other end of the resistor on the basis of a detection resultgenerated by the voltage detecting unit.

The connection control unit may connect the antenna to the other end ofthe resistor when a voltage input to the antenna is equal to or higherthan a predetermined first threshold in a case where the Q value of theantenna is set to the first value.

The connection control unit may disconnect the antenna from the otherend of the resistor when a voltage input to the antenna is lower than apredetermined second threshold.

The battery may be included in the external apparatus. The obtainingunit may include a response signal obtaining unit configured to obtain aresponse signal that is transmitted from the external apparatus, that isa response to charging authentication information transmitted to theexternal apparatus, and that serves as information about charging of thebattery, and a charging continuation information obtaining unitconfigured to obtain charging continuation information that isintermittently transmitted from the external apparatus during chargingof the battery and that serves as information about charging of thebattery. The determining unit may determine whether charging of thebattery is to be performed or not on the basis of the response signalobtained by the response signal obtaining unit or the chargingcontinuation information obtained by the charging continuationinformation obtaining unit. The setting unit may set the Q value of theantenna to the second value when the determining unit determines thatcharging of the battery is to be performed and set the Q value of theantenna to the first value when the determining unit determines thatcharging of the battery is not to be performed.

The information processing apparatus may further include a powertransmitting unit configured to transmit power for charging the batteryto the external apparatus, and a power transmission stop unit configuredto stop transmission of the power by the power transmitting unit whenthe charging continuation information obtaining unit stops obtaining thecharging continuation information that is intermittently obtained.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a program causing acomputer to execute obtaining information about charging of a batteryvia an antenna having a variable Q value and/or internally, the antennabeing used for performing communication with an external apparatus in anoncontact manner by using a carrier of a predetermined frequency andcharging the battery in a noncontact manner by using the carrier,determining whether charging of the battery is to be performed or not onthe basis of the obtained information about charging of the battery, andselectively setting the Q value of the antenna to a first value or asecond value in accordance with a result of the determining, the secondvalue being larger than the first value.

With the use of this program, noncontact communication and noncontactcharging can be efficiently performed by using a single antenna.

According to another embodiment, there is provided an informationprocessing system including an information processing apparatus and acharging apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes abattery, a first antenna having a variable Q value, the first antennabeing used for performing communication with the charging apparatus in anoncontact manner by using a carrier of a predetermined frequency andcharging the battery in a noncontact manner by using the carrier, afirst obtaining unit configured to obtain first information aboutcharging of the battery, a first determining unit configured todetermine whether charging of the battery is to be performed or not onthe basis of the first information obtained by the first obtaining unit,and a first setting unit configured to selectively set the Q value ofthe first antenna to a first value or a second value in accordance witha determination result generated by the first determining unit, thesecond value being larger than the first value. The charging apparatusincludes a second antenna having a variable Q value, the second antennabeing used for performing communication with the information processingapparatus in a noncontact manner by using the carrier and charging thebattery in a noncontact manner by using the carrier, a second obtainingunit configured to obtain second information about charging of thebattery, a second determining unit configured to determine whethercharging of the battery is to be performed or not on the basis of thesecond information obtained by the second obtaining unit, and a secondsetting unit configured to selectively set the Q value of the secondantenna to a third value or a fourth value in accordance with adetermination result generated by the second determining unit, thefourth value being larger than the third value.

With this configuration, noncontact communication and noncontactcharging can be efficiently performed by using a single antenna.

As described above, according to an embodiment, noncontact communicationand noncontact charging can be efficiently performed by using a singleantenna.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will beapparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A illustrates an information processing system according to afirst embodiment;

FIG. 1B illustrates the information processing system according to thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of aninformation processing apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of acharging apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a first communication/charging processperformed by the information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a first communication/charging processperformed by the charging apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of theinformation processing system, particularly the information processingapparatus, according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of theinformation processing system, particularly the charging apparatus,according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram illustrating a modification of an antennaincluded in the information processing apparatus or the chargingapparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a second communication/charging processperformed by the information processing apparatus according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the second communication/charging processcontinued from the flowchart in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a second communication/charging processperformed by the charging apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the second communication/charging processcontinued from the flowchart in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a third communication/charging processperformed by the information processing apparatus according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 14A illustrates an information processing system according to asecond embodiment;

FIG. 14B illustrates the information processing system according to thesecond embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of areader/writer according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a communication process performed by thereader/writer according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 17A illustrates an information processing system according to athird embodiment;

FIG. 17B illustrates the information processing system according to thethird embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of aninformation processing apparatus according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of acharging apparatus according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a communication/charging process performed bythe information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the communication/charging process continuedfrom the flowchart in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a charging process performed by the chargingapparatus according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 23A illustrates an information processing system according to afourth embodiment;

FIG. 23B illustrates the information processing system according to thefourth embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of aninformation processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a communication process performed by theinformation processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 26A illustrates an information processing system according to afifth embodiment;

FIG. 26B illustrates the information processing system according to thefifth embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of aninformation processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of a charging process performed by theinformation processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment;

FIGS. 29A to 29D illustrate configurations of charging authenticationpackets; and

FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate configurations of charging authenticationpackets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application will be described in detail below with referenceto the drawings according to an embodiment.

The description will be given in the following order.

1. Configuration of information processing system according to firstembodiment

2. Schematic configuration of information processing apparatus accordingto first embodiment

3. Schematic configuration of charging apparatus according to firstembodiment

4. First communication/charging process performed by informationprocessing apparatus according to first embodiment

5. First communication/charging process performed by charging apparatusaccording to first embodiment

6. Specific configuration example of information processing apparatusaccording to first embodiment

7. Specific configuration example of charging apparatus according tofirst embodiment

8. Second communication/charging process performed by informationprocessing apparatus according to first embodiment

9. Second communication/charging process performed by charging apparatusaccording to first embodiment

10. Third communication/charging process performed by informationprocessing apparatus according to first embodiment

11. Configuration of information processing system according to secondembodiment

12. Schematic configuration of reader/writer according to secondembodiment

13. Communication process performed by reader/writer according to secondembodiment

14. Configuration of information processing system according to thirdembodiment

15. Configuration of information processing apparatus according to thirdembodiment

16. Configuration of charging apparatus according to third embodiment

17. Communication/charging process performed by information processingapparatus according to third embodiment

18. Charging process performed by charging apparatus according to thirdembodiment

19. Configuration of information processing system according to fourthembodiment

20. Configuration of information processing apparatus according tofourth embodiment

21. Communication process performed by information processing apparatusaccording to fourth embodiment

22. Configuration of information processing system according to fifthembodiment

23. Configuration of information processing apparatus according to fifthembodiment

24. Charging process performed by information processing apparatusaccording to fifth embodiment

Configuration of Information Processing System According to FirstEmbodiment

First, an information processing system according to a first embodimentwill be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an information processing system 100according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the information processing system 100 includes aninformation processing apparatus 200, such as a mobile phone terminal,and a charging apparatus 300. The charging apparatus 300 may have areader/writer function.

The information processing apparatus 200 has a battery therein (notillustrated), and is provided with a single antenna 202 that is used tocommunicate with the charging apparatus 300 and receive power forcharging the battery.

The charging apparatus 300 is provided with a single antenna 302 that isused to communicate with the information processing apparatus 200 andtransmit power for charging the battery of the information processingapparatus 200.

In the information processing system 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1B,communication in a noncontact manner and charging in a noncontact mannerof the battery of the information processing apparatus 200 are performedwhen the information processing apparatus 200 is placed on the chargingapparatus 300 or when the information processing apparatus 200 is closeto the charging apparatus 300. Hereinafter, communication in anoncontact manner is referred to as noncontact communication, andcharging in a noncontact manner is referred to as noncontact charging.

The information processing apparatus 200 and the charging apparatus 300in the above-described information processing system 100 have anoncontact charging function in addition to a noncontact communicationfunction.

In a noncontact charging method according to the related art, anelectromagnetic induction method has been put to practical use mostactively, in which coupling between coils is used. In a typicalelectromagnetic induction method, the frequency of a carrier is abouthundreds of kHz due to the number of turns necessary for coils. On theother hand, in noncontact communication represented by ISO 18092 or thelike, communication is performed by coupling resonant coils, and thefrequency of the carrier is typically 13.56 MHz. In a case where afunction of noncontact charging based on the electromagnetic inductionmethod and a function of noncontact communication based on ISO 18092 orthe like are mounted in the information processing apparatus 200 and thecharging apparatus 300, antennas for realizing both the functions arenecessary.

However, the performances and the frequencies of carriers necessary forthe respective antennas are significantly different from each other.Therefore, it is necessary to mount two antennas, one for noncontactcharging and the other for noncontact communication, in the informationprocessing apparatus 200 and the charging apparatus 300 in order torealize both the functions.

On the other hand, a magnetic resonance method is used as arelatively-new method for noncontact charging. In the magnetic resonancemethod, power is transmitted by coupling antennas having a very high Qvalue, and about tens of MHz is considered to be an appropriatefrequency of the carrier. It is considered that a single antenna can beused for noncontact charging and noncontact communication by using afrequency of 13.56 MHz of a carrier in noncontact communicationrepresented by ISO 18092 or the like.

However, a very high Q value of several hundred to 1000 is necessary foran antenna for noncontact charging based on the magnetic resonancemethod in order to increase charging efficiency. On the other hand, asan antenna of ISO 18092, an antenna having a suppressed Q value of about10 to 20 is often used to transmit data. Therefore, mere use a singleantenna may cause a problem in that the efficiency of noncontactcharging decreases, that the efficiency of data transmission decreases,or that communication is difficult to perform.

Accordingly, in the related art, it is difficult to efficiently performnoncontact communication and noncontact charging by using a singleantenna in each of the information processing apparatus 200 and thecharging apparatus 300.

In the information processing system 100 according to the firstembodiment, the information processing apparatus 200 performs a firstcommunication/charging process described below with reference to FIG. 4,and the charging apparatus 300 performs a first communication/chargingprocess described below with reference to FIG. 5. Furthermore, in theinformation processing system 100 according to the first embodiment, theinformation processing apparatus 200 performs a secondcommunication/charging process described below with reference to FIGS. 9and 10, and the charging apparatus 300 performs a secondcommunication/charging process described below with reference to FIGS.11 and 12. Accordingly, noncontact communication between the informationprocessing apparatus 200 and the charging apparatus 300 and noncontactcharging of the battery of the information processing apparatus 200 canbe efficiently performed by using the single antennas in both theapparatuses.

Schematic Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus According toFirst Embodiment

Next, the information processing apparatus 200 according to the firstembodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of theinformation processing apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 200 includesan antenna 202, a Q value setting switch 204, a charging unit 206, acommunication unit 212, a control unit 218, a charging IC 220, and abattery 222.

The antenna 202 receives a packet for identifying and authenticating adestination of power transmitted from the charging apparatus 300(hereinafter referred to as “charging authentication packet”) and apacket for normal noncontact communication (hereinafter referred to as“communication packet”). Also, the antenna 202 receives power forcharging the battery 222 from the charging apparatus 300.

The Q value setting switch 204 selectively sets the Q value of theantenna 202 on the basis of a setting signal transmitted from thecontrol unit 218. Specifically, the Q value setting switch 204selectively sets the Q value of the antenna 202 so that the Q value ofthe antenna 202 becomes high or low.

The charging unit 206 includes a receiving unit 208 that receives powerfor charging the battery 222 received by the antenna 202. Also, thecharging unit 206 includes a transmitting unit 210 that intermittentlytransmits a packet for requesting continuation of transmission ofcharging power (hereinafter referred to as “continue-charging-requestpacket”) to the charging apparatus 300 until charging of the battery 222is completed. The transmitting unit 210 transmits acontinue-charging-request packet by using load modulation at a datatransmission rate lower than a normal data transmission rate.

The communication unit 212 includes a receiving unit 214 that receives acharging authentication packet and a communication packet received bythe antenna 202. Also, the communication unit 212 includes atransmitting unit 216 that transmits a response packet forauthentication of charging, which is a response to a chargingauthentication packet received by the receiving unit 214 when chargingof the battery 222 is necessary (when charging is to be performed), anda response packet for communication, which is a response to a receivedcommunication packet, to the charging apparatus 300. The transmittingunit 216 transmits each response packet by using load modulation at anormal data transmission rate.

The control unit 218 controls the Q value setting switch 214, thecharging unit 206, the communication unit 212, and the charging IC 220.After the power of the information processing apparatus 200 has beenturned on, the control unit 218 transmits a setting signal for settingthe Q value of the antenna 202 to a low Q value to the Q value settingswitch 204. That is, the control unit 218 sets the Q value of theantenna 202 to a first value so that data transmission can beefficiently performed. Also, when the receiving unit 214 receives acharging authentication packet, the control unit 218 obtains remainingpower information of the battery 222 from the charging IC 220 anddetermines whether charging of the battery 222 is necessary or not(whether charging is to be performed or not). If charging of the battery222 is necessary (if charging is to be performed), the control unit 218causes the transmitting unit 216 to transmit a response packet forauthentication of charging. Then, the control unit 218 transmits asetting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna 202 to a high Qvalue to the Q value setting switch 204. That is, the control unit 218sets the Q value of the antenna 202 to a second value, which is higherthan the first value, whereby reception of power for charging thebattery 222 is efficiently performed. Also, when the receiving unit 208receives power for charging the battery 222 and when the charging IC 220receives the power for charging the battery 222 from the receiving unit208, the control unit 218 causes the charging IC 220 to charge thebattery 222. During charging of the battery 222, the control unit 218obtains remaining power information of the battery 222 from the chargingIC 220 at predetermined time intervals to determine whether charging ofthe battery 222 is necessary or not (whether charging is to be performedor not). If charging of the battery 222 is necessary (if charging is tobe performed), the control unit 218 causes the transmitting unit 210 totransmit a continue-charging-request packet. In this way, while chargingof the battery 222 is necessary, the transmitting unit 210intermittently transmits a continue-charging-request packet to thecharging apparatus 300. On the other hand, if charging of the battery222 is not necessary (if charging is not to be performed), the controlunit 218 does not cause the transmitting unit 210 to transmit acontinue-charging-request packet. Then, after a predetermined time haselapsed, the control unit 218 determines whether the receiving unit 208is receiving power for charging the battery 222 or not. If the receivingunit 208 is not receiving power for charging the battery 222, thecontrol unit 218 transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value ofthe antenna 202 to a low Q value to the Q value setting switch 204.

The charging IC 220 performs charging of the battery 222 and efficientlysupplies the power from the battery 222 to each unit of the informationprocessing apparatus 200.

Schematic Configuration of Charging Apparatus According to FirstEmbodiment

Next, the charging apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment willbe described with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of thecharging apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the charging apparatus 300 includes an antenna 302,a Q value setting switch 304, a charging unit 306, a communication unit312, a control unit 318, and a power supply IC 320 connected to an ACpower supply 322.

The antenna 302 transmits a charging authentication packet and alsotransmits power for charging the battery 222 of the informationprocessing apparatus 200. Also, the antenna 302 may transmit acommunication packet.

The Q value setting switch 304 selectively sets the Q value of theantenna 302 on the basis of a setting signal transmitted from thecontrol unit 318. Specifically, the Q value setting switch 304selectively sets the Q value of the antenna 304 so that the Q value ofthe antenna 302 becomes high or low.

The charging unit 306 includes a receiving unit 308 that receives acontinue-charging-request packet transmitted from the informationprocessing apparatus 200 and a transmitting unit 310 that transmitspower for charging the battery 222 of the information processingapparatus 200.

The communication unit 312 includes a receiving unit 314 that receives aresponse packet for authentication of charging transmitted from theinformation processing apparatus 200 and a transmitting unit 316 thattransmits a charging authentication packet.

The control unit 318 controls the Q value setting switch 304, thecharging unit 306, the communication unit 312, and the power supply IC320. After the power of the charging apparatus 300 has been turned on,the control unit 318 transmits a setting signal for setting the Q valueof the antenna 302 to a low Q value to the Q value setting switch 304.That is, the control unit 318 sets the Q value of the antenna 302 to afirst value so that data transmission can be efficiently performed.Also, the control unit 318 causes the transmitting unit 316 to transmita charging authentication packet. After that, when the receiving unit314 receives a response packet for authentication of charging, thecontrol unit 318 determines whether the received response packet forauthentication of charging is valid or not. If the response packet forauthentication of charging is valid, the control unit 318 determinesthat charging of the battery 222 of the information processing apparatus200 is necessary (charging it to be performed), and transmits a settingsignal for setting the Q value of the antenna 302 to a high Q value tothe Q value setting switch 304. That is, the control unit 318 sets the Qvalue of the antenna 302 to a second value, which is higher than thefirst value, so that power for charging the battery 222 can beefficiently transmitted. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed,the control unit 318 causes the transmitting unit 310 to transmit powerfor charging the battery 222 of the information processing apparatus200. After that, the control unit 318 determines, at predetermined timeintervals, whether the receiving unit 308 has received acontinue-charging-request packet or not. If the receiving unit 308 hasreceived a continue-charging-request packet, the control unit 318 causesthe transmitting unit 310 to continue transmitting power. On the otherhand, if the receiving unit 308 has not received acontinue-charging-request packet, the control unit 318 causes thetransmitting unit 310 to stop transmitting power, and transmits asetting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna 302 to a low Qvalue to the Q value setting switch 304.

The power supply IC 320 efficiently supplies power from the AC powersupply 322 to each unit of the charging apparatus 300. Alternatively,the power supply IC 320 may supply power from a DC power supply (notillustrated) to each unit of the charging apparatus 300.

First Communication/Charging Process Performed by Information ProcessingApparatus According to First Embodiment

Hereinafter, the first communication/charging process performed by theinformation processing apparatus 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 will bedescribed.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the first communication/charging processperformed by the information processing apparatus 200 illustrated inFIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit 218 of the information processingapparatus 200 transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value of theantenna 202 to a low Q value, for example, 10 to 20 (an example of thefirst value), to the Q value setting switch 204. The Q value settingswitch 204 that has received the setting signal sets the Q value of theantenna 202 to the low Q value (step S101).

Subsequently, the control unit 218 causes the receiving unit 214 of thecommunication unit 212 to wait for a carrier transmitted from thecharging apparatus 300 (step S102).

Subsequently, the control unit 218 determines whether the receiving unit214 has received a carrier or not (step S103). If the receiving unit 214has not received a carrier (NO in step S103), the process returns tostep S102.

If the receiving unit 214 has received a carrier (YES in step S103), thecontrol unit 218 waits for a packet transmitted from the chargingapparatus 300 (step S104).

Subsequently, the control unit 218 determines whether the receiving unit214 has received a packet or not (step S105). If the receiving unit 214has not received a packet (NO in step S105), the process returns to stepS104.

If the receiving unit 214 has received a packet (YES in step S105), thecontrol unit 218 determines whether the received packet is a chargingauthentication packet (information about charging of the battery,charging authentication information) or not (step S106).

If the received packet is not a charging authentication packet (NO instep S106), the received packet is a communication packet, and thus thecontrol unit 218 performs a normal communication process in accordancewith the packet (step S108), and the process returns to step S104.

If the received packet is a charging authentication packet (YES in stepS106), the charging apparatus 300 having a noncontact charging functionexists near the information processing apparatus 200. Then, the controlunit 218 obtains remaining power information of the battery 222(information about charging of the battery) from the charging IC 220 anddetermines whether charging of the battery 222 is necessary or not(whether charging is to be performed or not) on the basis of theobtained remaining power information of the battery 222 (step S107).

If charging of the battery 222 is not necessary (if charging is not tobe performed), that is, if the battery 222 is fully charged or if thebattery 222 is not connected to the information processing apparatus 200(NO in step S107), the process returns to step S104 with the controlunit 218 not causing the transmitting unit 216 of the communication unit212 to transmit a response packet for authentication of charging.

If it is determined in step S107 that charging of the battery 222 isnecessary (charging is to be performed) (YES in step S107), the controlunit 218 causes the transmitting unit 216 to transmit a response packetfor authentication of charging (step S109).

The charging apparatus 300 that has received the response packet forauthentication of charging transmitted in step S109 starts transmittingpower for charging the battery 222 of the information processingapparatus 200 after a predetermined time has elapsed. Thus, the controlunit 218 transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value of theantenna 202 to a Q value higher than the Q value that is set in stepS101, for example, 50 to several hundred (an example of the secondvalue), to the Q value setting switch 204. The Q value setting switch204 that has received the setting signal sets the Q value of the antenna202 to the high Q value (step S110).

Subsequently, the control unit 218 monitors charging of the battery 222(step S111).

Subsequently, the control unit 218 determines whether the receiving unit208 of the charging unit 206 is receiving power for charging the battery222 or not (step S112).

If the receiving unit 208 is receiving charging power (YES in stepS112), the control unit 218 obtains remaining power information of thebattery 222 from the charging IC 220 and determines whether charging ofthe battery 222 is necessary or not (whether charging is to be performedor not), that is, whether the battery 222 is fully charged or not (stepS114).

If charging of the battery 222 is necessary (if charging is to beperformed) (NO in step S114), the control unit 218 causes thetransmitting unit 210 of the charging unit 206 to transmit acontinue-charging-request packet (step S115), and the process returns tostep S111. Additionally, in step S115, the continue-charging-requestpacket is transmitted at a sufficiently-low data transmission rate sothat communication can be performed even if the Q value of the antenna202 is high.

If charging of the battery 222 is not necessary (if charging is not tobe performed) (YES in step S114), the process returns to step S111 withthe control unit 218 not causing the transmitting unit 210 of thecharging unit 206 to transmit a continue-charging-request packet.

If it is determined in step S112 that the receiving unit 208 is notreceiving charging power, that is, if reception of power from thecharging apparatus 300 is stopped because the control unit 218 does notcause the transmitting unit 210 of the charging unit 206 to transmit acontinue-charging-request packet, or if the information processingapparatus 200 has been moved to the outside of a communication area ofthe charging apparatus 300 (NO in step S112), the control unit 218transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna 202 toa low Q value to the Q value setting switch 204, the Q value settingswitch 204 that has received the setting signal sets the Q value of theantenna 202 to the low Q value (step S113), and the process ends.

According to the first communication/charging process illustrated inFIG. 4, the Q value of the antenna 202 is set to a low Q value when apacket such as a charging authentication packet is received from thecharging apparatus 300, and the Q value of the antenna 202 is set to ahigh Q value when power for charging the battery 222 is received fromthe charging apparatus 300. When the Q value of the antenna 202 is low,the bandwidth is wide and thus data transmission can be efficientlyperformed. When the Q value of the antenna 202 is high, the amplitude ofa carrier can be increased and thus reception of charging power can beefficiently performed. Accordingly, noncontact communication andnoncontact charging can be efficiently performed by using the singleantenna.

First Communication/Charging Process Performed by Charging ApparatusAccording to First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a first communication/charging process performed by thecharging apparatus 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the first communication/charging processperformed by the charging apparatus 300 illustrated in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 5, the control unit 318 of the charging apparatus 300transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna 302 toa low Q value, for example, 10 to 20 (an example of the first value), tothe Q value setting switch 304. The Q value setting switch 304 that hasreceived the setting signal sets the Q value of the antenna 302 to thelow Q value (step S201).

Subsequently, the control unit 318 causes the transmitting unit 316 ofthe communication unit 312 to transmit a charging authentication packet(step S202).

Subsequently, the control unit 318 determines whether the receiving unit314 of the communication unit 312 has received a response packet forauthentication of charging (information about charging of the battery,response signal) from the information processing apparatus 200 or not(step S203). If the receiving unit 314 has not received a responsepacket for authentication of charging (NO in step S203), the processreturns to step S202.

If the receiving unit 314 has received a response packet forauthentication of charging (YES in step S203), the control unit 318determines whether the received response packet is valid or not (stepS204). If the received response packet is not valid (NO in step S204),the process returns to step S202.

If the received response packet is valid (YES in step S204), the controlunit 318 transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value of theantenna 302 to a Q value higher than the Q value set in step S201, forexample, 50 to several hundred (an example of the second value), to theQ value setting switch 304. The Q value setting switch 304 that hasreceived the setting signal sets the Q value of the antenna 302 to thehigh Q value (step S205).

Subsequently, the control unit 318 waits for a predetermined time period(step S206), and then causes the transmitting unit 310 of the chargingunit 306 to transmit power for charging the battery 222 of theinformation processing apparatus 200 (step S207).

Subsequently, the control unit 318 determines, at predetermined timeintervals, whether the receiving unit 308 of the charging unit 306 hasreceived a continue-charging-request packet (information about chargingof the battery, charging continuation information) transmitted from theinformation processing apparatus 200 or not (step S208). If thereceiving unit 308 has received a continue-charging-request packet (YESin step S208), charging of the battery 222 of the information processingapparatus 200 has not been completed, and the process returns to stepS207.

If the receiving unit 308 has not received a continue-charging-requestpacket (NO in step S208), charging of the battery 222 of the informationprocessing apparatus 200 has been completed, or the informationprocessing apparatus 200 has been moved to the outside of acommunication area of the charging apparatus 300. Thus, the control unit318 causes the transmitting unit 310 of the charging unit 306 to stoptransmitting power (step S209).

Subsequently, the control unit 318 transmits a setting signal forsetting the Q value of the antenna 302 to a low Q value to the Q valuesetting switch 304. The Q value setting switch 304 that has received thesetting signal sets the Q value of the antenna 302 to the low Q value(step S210), and the process ends.

According to the first communication/charging process illustrated inFIG. 5, the Q value of the antenna 302 is set to a low Q value when apacket such as a charging authentication packet is transmitted, and theQ value of the antenna 302 is set to a high Q value when power forcharging the battery 222 of the information processing apparatus 200 istransmitted. Accordingly, the same effect as that in the firstcommunication/charging process illustrated in FIG. 4 can be obtained.

Specific Configuration Example of Information Processing ApparatusAccording to First Embodiment

Next, a specific configuration example of the information processingapparatus 200 according to the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of theinformation processing system 100, particularly the informationprocessing apparatus 200, according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the information processing apparatus 200 includesthe antenna 202, a communication/charging control unit 203, the chargingIC 220, the battery 222, a microprocessing unit (MPU) 240, a read onlymemory (ROM) 242, a random access memory (RAM) 244, a recording medium246, an input/output interface 248, an operation input device 252, adisplay device 254, and a communication interface 250. In theinformation processing apparatus 200, the individual elements aremutually connected via a bus 256 serving as a data transmission path.

The antenna 202 includes a resonance circuit 224 functioning as anantenna and a Q value adjusting circuit 226 serving as the Q valuesetting switch 204 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The resonance circuit 224 includes a coil (inductor) L1 having apredetermined inductance and a capacitor C1 having a predeterminedelectrostatic capacity, and generates an induced voltage throughelectromagnetic induction in accordance with reception of a carrier.Also, the resonance circuit 224 outputs a reception voltage generated byresonating the induced voltage with a predetermined resonance frequencyto the communication/charging control unit 203. Here, the resonancefrequency in the resonance circuit 224 is set in accordance with thefrequency of a carrier, such as 13.56 MHz. By being provided with theresonance circuit 224, the antenna 202 receives a carrier and transmitsa response signal through load modulation that is performed by a loadmodulation unit 230 included in the communication/charging control unit203.

The Q value adjusting circuit 226 plays a role in adjusting the Q valueof the antenna 202. Also, the Q value adjusting circuit 226 iscontrolled by a setting signal received from the control unit 218included in the communication/charging control unit 203, which will bedescribed below. In FIG. 6, the Q value of the antenna 202 is adjustedto a low Q value, for example, 10 to 20 (an example of the first value),when a resistor R1 of the Q value adjusting circuit 226 is connected(enabled). That is, when the resistor R1 of the Q value adjustingcircuit 226 is not connected (not enabled), the Q value of the antenna202 is adjusted to a high Q value, for example, 50 to several hundred(an example of the second value). In the example illustrated in FIG. 6,the Q value adjusting circuit 226 includes the resistor R1 and aswitching element SW1 that connects (enables) the resistor R1 (load) inaccordance with the signal level (high level/low level) of a settingsignal received from the control unit 218. Alternatively, the Q valueadjusting circuit 226 may have another configuration. For example, the Qvalue adjusting circuit 226 may include a variable resistor (load) theresistance value of which changes in accordance with a setting signal(e.g., a voltage signal) received thereby. Also, the Q value adjustingcircuit 226 may include a plurality of resistors (resistors havingdifferent resistances or resistors having same resistances) and aswitching element that selectively connects the plurality of resistors(any one or a plurality of resistors). The switching element may includeone or more MOSFETs (e.g., p-channel MOSFET and n-channel MOSFET) inwhich a setting signal is received by a control terminal, but theswitching element may have another configuration.

The communication/charging control unit 203 processes a carrier signalby demodulating it on the basis of a carrier received by the antenna 202and causes a response signal to be transmitted by using load modulation.Also, the communication/charging control unit 203 receives power forcharging the battery 222 received by the antenna 202 and causes thecharging IC 220 to charge the battery 222.

The communication/charging control unit 203 includes a carrier detectingunit 232, a detector unit 228, a regulator 234, a demodulating unit 236,the control unit 218, and the load modulation unit 230. Alternatively,the communication/charging control unit 203 may further include aprotective circuit (not illustrated) for preventing an overvoltage orovercurrent from being applied to the control unit 218. An example ofthe protective circuit includes a clamp circuit including a diode or thelike.

The carrier detecting unit 232 generates a rectangular detection signalon the basis of a reception voltage transmitted from the antenna 202 andtransmits the detection signal to the control unit 218.

The detector unit 228 rectifies a reception voltage output from theantenna 202. Here, the detector unit 228 may include a diode D1 and acapacitor C2, but the detector unit 228 may have another configuration.Also, the regulator 234 smoothes the reception voltage to generate aconstant voltage and outputs a drive voltage to the control unit 218.Here, the regulator 234 may use a DC component of the reception voltageas a drive voltage. Also, the regulator 234 outputs a voltage forcharging the battery 222 to the charging IC 220.

The demodulating unit 236 demodulates a carrier signal on the basis of areception voltage and outputs data corresponding to the carrier signalcontained in a carrier (e.g., binarized data signal of high level andlow level). Here, the demodulating unit 236 may output a data signal onthe basis of an AC component of the reception voltage.

The control unit 218 is driven with a drive voltage output from theregulator 234 or a drive voltage supplied from the battery 222 servingas a power supply, and performs various processes, such as a process ofdata (data signal) demodulated by the demodulating unit 236. Here, thecontrol unit 218 may include an MPU or the like, but anotherconfiguration is also acceptable.

More specifically, the control unit 218 includes an obtaining unit 260,a determining unit 262, a setting unit 264, and a transmitting unit 266.The obtaining unit 260 includes a charging authentication informationobtaining unit (not illustrated) serving as the receiving unit 214 ofthe communication unit 212 illustrated in FIG. 2 and a remaining powerinformation obtaining unit (not illustrated). The transmitting unit 266includes a response signal transmitting unit (not illustrated) servingas the transmitting unit 216 of the communication unit 212 illustratedin FIG. 2 and a charging continuation information transmitting unit (notillustrated) serving as the transmitting unit 210 of the charging unit206 illustrated in FIG. 2.

After the power of the information processing apparatus 200 has beenturned on, the setting unit 264 transmits a setting signal for settingthe Q value of the antenna 202 to a low Q value, e.g., 10 to 20 (anexample of the first value), to the Q value adjusting circuit 226. Thecharging authentication information obtaining unit of the obtaining unit260 receives (obtains) a charging authentication packet. When thecharging authentication information obtaining unit of the obtaining unit260 receives the charging authentication packet, the remaining powerinformation obtaining unit of the obtaining unit 260 obtains remainingpower information of the battery 222 from the charging IC 220. Thedetermining unit 262 determines whether charging of the battery 222 isnecessary or not (whether charging is to be performed or not) on thebasis of the remaining power information of the battery 222 obtained bythe obtaining unit 260. If charging of the battery 222 is necessary (ifcharging is to be performed), the response signal transmitting unit ofthe transmitting unit 266 transmits a response packet for authenticationof charging to the charging apparatus 300 by controlling the loadmodulation unit 230. After that, the setting unit 264 transmits asetting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna 202 to a high Qvalue, for example, 50 to several hundred (an example of the secondvalue), to the Q value adjusting circuit 226. When the charging IC 220receives power for charging the battery 222, the control unit 218 causesthe charging IC 220 to charge the battery 222. That is, the control unit218 plays a role of the receiving unit 208 of the charging unit 206illustrated in FIG. 2. Then, the remaining power information obtainingunit of the obtaining unit 260 obtains remaining power information ofthe battery 222 from the charging IC 220 at predetermined time intervalsduring charging of the battery 222. On the basis of the remaining powerinformation of the battery 222 obtained by the obtaining unit 260, thedetermining unit 262 determines whether charging of the battery 222 isnecessary or not (whether charging is to be performed or not). Ifcharging of the battery 222 is necessary (if charging is to beperformed), the charging continuation information transmitting unit ofthe transmitting unit 266 transmits a continue-charging-request packetto the charging apparatus 300 by controlling the load modulation unit230. In this way, while charging of the battery 222 is necessary, thecharging continuation information transmitting unit of the transmittingunit 266 intermittently transmits a continue-charging-request packet tothe charging apparatus 300 by controlling the load modulation unit 230.On the other hand, if charging of the battery 222 is not necessary (ifcharging is not to be performed), the charging continuation informationtransmitting unit of the transmitting unit 266 does not control the loadmodulation unit 230 and does not transmit a continue-charging-requestpacket to the charging apparatus 300. Then, after a predetermined timeperiod has elapsed, the control unit 218 determines whether the chargingIC 220 is receiving power for charging the battery 222 or not. If thecharging IC 220 is not receiving power for charging the battery 222, thesetting unit 264 transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value ofthe antenna 202 to a low Q value to the Q value adjusting circuit 226.

The load modulation unit 230 includes a load Z and a switching elementSW2, for example, and performs load modulation by selectively connecting(enabling) the load Z in accordance with a control signal received fromthe control unit 218. Here, the load Z is configured using a resistorhaving a predetermined resistance value, but the load Z may have anotherconfiguration. Also, the switching element SW2 is configured using ap-channel MOSFET or an n-channel MOSFET, but the switching element SW2may have another configuration.

With the load modulation performed by the load modulation unit 230, theimpedance of the information processing apparatus 200 viewed from thecharging apparatus 300 changes.

With the above-described configuration of the communication/chargingcontrol unit 203, the Q value of the antenna 202 is set to a low Q valuewhen a packet such as a charging authentication packet is received fromthe charging apparatus 300, and the Q value of the antenna 202 is set toa high Q value when power for charging the battery 222 is received fromthe charging apparatus 300. When the Q value of the antenna 202 is low,the bandwidth is wide and thus data transmission can be efficientlyperformed. When the Q value of the antenna 202 is high, the amplitude ofa carrier can be increased and thus reception of charging power can beefficiently performed. Accordingly, noncontact communication andnoncontact charging can be efficiently performed by using the singleantenna.

The battery 222 is an internal power supply included in the informationprocessing apparatus 200 and supplies a drive voltage to each unit ofthe information processing apparatus 200. In FIG. 6, the voltage outputfrom the battery 222 is supplied to the control unit 218 via thecharging IC 220 for convenience of the description, but the voltage maybe supplied in another way. Here, an example of the battery 222 includesa secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Thecharging IC 220 controls charging of the battery 222.

The MPU 240 functions as a control unit that controls the entireinformation processing apparatus 200. The ROM 242 stores data forcontrol, such as programs and computation parameters used by the MPU240. The RAM 244 temporarily stores a program executed by the MPU 240.

The recording medium 246 functions as a storage unit of the informationprocessing apparatus 200 and stores various applications, for example.Here, examples of the recording medium 246 include a magnetic recordingmedium, such as a hard disk, and a nonvolatile memory, such as anelectrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM), aflash memory, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM), a ferroelectricrandom access memory (FeRAM), and a phase change random access memory(PRAM).

The input/output interface 248 connects the operation input device 252and the display device 254, for example. Here, examples of theinput/output interface 248 include a universal serial bus (USB)terminal, a digital visual interface (DVI) terminal, and ahigh-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) terminal. The operationinput device 252 includes a button, a direction key, a rotary selectorsuch as a jog dial, or a combination of those components, is provided onthe information processing apparatus 200, and is connected to theinput/output interface 248 inside the information processing apparatus200. The display device 254 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) oran organic electroluminescence (EL) display (also called an organiclight-emitting diode (OLED) display), is provided on the informationprocessing apparatus 200, and is connected to the input/output interface248 inside the information processing apparatus 200. Of course, theinput/output interface 248 can be connected to operation input devices(e.g., a keyboard and a mouse) and a display device (e.g., an externaldisplay) serving as external devices of the information processingapparatus 200.

The communication interface 250 is a communication unit of theinformation processing apparatus 200 and functions as a communicationunit for communicating with an external apparatus, such as a server, viaa network (or directly) in a wireless/wired manner. Here, examples ofthe network include a wired network such as a local area network (LAN)or a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network such as a wireless widearea network (WWAN) or a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN) via abase station, and the Internet using a communication protocol such as atransmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP). Examples ofthe communication interface 250 include a communication antenna and anRF circuit (wireless communication), an IEEE802.15.1 port and atransmission/reception circuit (wireless communication), an IEEE802.11bport and a transmission/reception circuit (wireless communication), anda LAN terminal and a transmission/reception circuit (wiredcommunication). For example, the communication interface 250 may have aconfiguration compatible with the above-described networks.

Specific Configuration Example of Charging Apparatus According to FirstEmbodiment

Next, a specific configuration example of the charging apparatus 300according to the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of theinformation processing system 100, particularly the charging apparatus300, according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the charging apparatus 300 includes a carriersignal generating unit 330, the antenna 302, a demodulating unit 328,and the control unit 318. In the charging apparatus 300, a rectifiercircuit (not illustrated) may be provided between the antenna 302 andthe demodulating unit 328.

Also, the charging apparatus 300 may include a ROM (not illustrated), aRAM (not illustrated), a storage unit (not illustrated), and aninterface (not illustrated) for connecting the charging apparatus 300 toan external apparatus (not illustrated) or a circuit. In the chargingapparatus 300, the individual elements can be mutually connected via abus serving as a data transmission path. The ROM stores programs,computation parameters, and data for control used by the control unit318. The RAM temporarily stores a program executed by the control unit318. The storage unit (not illustrated) stores applications and dataused in the charging apparatus 300. Here, examples of the storage unit(not illustrated) include a magnetic recording medium such as a harddisk and a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. Examples of theinterface (not illustrated) include a universal asynchronous receivertransmitter (UART) and a network terminal.

The carrier signal generating unit 330 is controlled by the control unit318 and generates a carrier signal in response to a carrier signalgeneration instruction received from the control unit 318, for example.In FIG. 7, an AC power supply is illustrated as the carrier signalgenerating unit 330, but the carrier signal generating unit 330 may haveanother configuration. For example, the carrier signal generating unit330 may further include a modulation circuit (not illustrated) thatperforms amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation. Various processinginstructions for the information processing apparatus 200 and data to beprocessed may be contained in the carrier signal generated by thecarrier signal generating unit 330, for example.

The antenna 302 includes a resonance circuit 324 functioning as anantenna and a Q value adjusting circuit 326 serving as the Q valuesetting switch 304 illustrated in FIG. 3. The antenna 302 transmits acarrier in accordance with a carrier signal generated by the carriersignal generating unit 330, and receives a response signal from theinformation processing apparatus 200.

Here, the resonance circuit 324 includes a coil (inductor) L3 having apredetermined inductance for functioning as an antenna and a capacitorC3 having a predetermined electrostatic capacity. The resonancefrequency of the resonance circuit 324 is set in accordance with thefrequency of a carrier, such as 13.56 MHz.

The Q value adjusting circuit 326 is controlled by the control unit 318and adjusts the Q value of the antenna 302 in accordance with a settingsignal received from the control unit 318. In FIG. 7, the Q value of theantenna 302 is adjusted to a low Q value, for example, 10 to 20 (anexample of the first value), when a resistor R3 of the Q value adjustingcircuit 326 is connected (enabled). That is, when the resistor R3 of theQ value adjusting circuit 326 is not connected (not enabled), the Qvalue of the antenna 302 is adjusted to a high Q value, for example, 50to several hundred (an example of the second value). In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 7, the Q value adjusting circuit 326 includes theresistor R3 and a switching element SW3, but the Q value adjustingcircuit 326 may have other various configurations.

The demodulating unit 328 demodulates a response signal transmitted fromthe information processing apparatus 200 by performing envelopedetection on a change of amplitude of the voltage at the end of theantenna 302 and by binarizing a detected signal.

The control unit 318 is configured using an MPU or an integrated circuitin which various processing circuits are integrated, controls the entirecharging apparatus 300, and performs various processes. Also, thecontrol unit 318 includes an obtaining unit 340, a determining unit 342,a setting unit 344, and a transmitting unit 346. The obtaining unit 340includes a response signal obtaining unit (not illustrated) serving asthe receiving unit 314 of the communication unit 312 illustrated in FIG.3 and a charging continuation information obtaining unit (notillustrated) serving as the receiving unit 308 of the charging unit 306illustrated in FIG. 3. The transmitting unit 346 includes a powertransmitting unit (not illustrated) serving as the transmitting unit 310of the charging unit 306 illustrated in FIG. 3 and a power transmissionstop unit (not illustrated).

After the power of the charging apparatus 300 has been turned on, thesetting unit 344 transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value ofthe antenna 302 to a low Q value, for example, 10 to 20 (an example ofthe first value), to the Q value adjusting circuit 326. The control unit318 controls the carrier signal generating unit 330 to transmit acharging authentication packet. That is, the control unit 318 plays arole of the transmitting unit 316 of the communication unit 312illustrated in FIG. 3. After that, when the response signal obtainingunit of the obtaining unit 340 receives a response packet forauthentication of charging, the control unit 318 determines whether thereceived response packet is valid or not. If the response packet isvalid, the determining unit 342 determines that charging of the battery222 of the information processing apparatus 200 is necessary (chargingis to be performed), and the setting unit 344 transmits a setting signalfor setting the Q value of the antenna 302 to a high Q value, forexample, 50 to several hundred (an example of the second value), to theQ value adjusting circuit 326. Then, after a predetermined time periodhas elapsed, the power transmitting unit of the transmitting unit 346controls the carrier signal generating unit 330 to transmit power forcharging the battery 222 of the information processing apparatus 200.After that, the control unit 318 determines, at predetermined timeintervals, whether the charging continuation information obtaining unitof the obtaining unit 340 has received a continue-charging-requestpacket or not. If the charging continuation information obtaining unitof the obtaining unit 340 has received a continue-charging-requestpacket, the power transmitting unit of the transmitting unit 346controls the carrier signal generating unit 330 to continue transmissionof charging power. On the other hand, if the charging continuationinformation obtaining unit of the obtaining unit 340 has not received acontinue-charging-request packet, the power transmission stop unit ofthe transmitting unit 346 controls the carrier signal generating unit330 to stop transmitting charging power. Then, the setting unit 344transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna 302 toa low Q value to the Q value adjusting circuit 326.

With the above-described configuration of the charging apparatus 300,the Q value of the antenna 302 is set to a low Q value when a packetsuch as a charging authentication packet is transmitted, and the Q valueof the antenna 302 is set to a high Q value when power for charging thebattery 222 of the information processing apparatus 200 is transmitted.When the Q value of the antenna 302 is low, the bandwidth is wide andthus data transmission can be efficiently performed. When the Q value ofthe antenna 302 is high, the amplitude of a carrier can be increased andthus transmission of charging power can be efficiently performed.Accordingly, noncontact communication and noncontact charging can beefficiently performed by using the single antenna.

Each of the above-described antennas 202 and 302 includes a resonancecircuit having a coil and a capacitor and a Q value adjusting circuithaving a resistor and a switching element. Alternatively, the antenna402 illustrated in FIG. 8 may be used. The antenna 402 includes aresonance circuit having a coil L4 and a capacitor C4 and a Q valueadjusting circuit that is placed near the resonance circuit and that hasa coil L5, a capacitor C5, and a switching element SW5. With thisconfiguration, the Q value of the antenna 402 can be set to a Q valuehigher than that of the antennas 202 and 302, so that transmission ofpower can be performed more efficiently.

A description has been given above about the information processingapparatus 200, which is an element constituting the informationprocessing system 100 according to the first embodiment of theinvention, but the first embodiment of the invention is not limited tothe foregoing form. The first embodiment of the invention can be appliedto various apparatuses, such as a mobile communication apparatus havinga reader/writer function (i.e., a function of mainly transmitting acarrier), and a computer such as a personal computer (PC) having areader/writer function.

Also, a description has been given above about the charging apparatus300, which is an element constituting the information processing system100 according to the first embodiment of the invention, but the firstembodiment of the invention is not limited to the foregoing form. Thefirst embodiment of the invention can be applied to various apparatusescapable of communicating with the information processing apparatus 200in a noncontact manner, such as a charging apparatus having areader/writer function.

Second Communication/Charging Process Performed by InformationProcessing Apparatus According to First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a second communication/charging process performed by theinformation processing apparatus 200 according to the first embodimentwill be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the secondcommunication/charging process performed by the information processingapparatus 200 according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG.10 is a flowchart continued from the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 9, after the power of the information processingapparatus 200 has been turned on, the control unit 218 of theinformation processing apparatus 200 transmits a setting signal forsetting the Q value of the antenna 202 to a low Q value, for example, 10to 20 (an example of the first value), to the Q value setting switch204. The Q value setting switch 204 that has received the setting signalsets the Q value of the antenna 202 to the low Q value (step S301).

Subsequently, the control unit 218 causes the receiving unit 214 of thecommunication unit 212 to wait for a carrier, for example, a carrier of13.56 MHz, transmitted from the charging apparatus 300 (step S302).

Subsequently, the control unit 218 determines whether the receiving unit214 has received a carrier or not (step S303). If the receiving unit 214has not received a carrier (NO in step S303), the process returns tostep S302.

If it is determined in step S303 that the receiving unit 214 hasreceived a carrier (YES in step S303), the control unit 218 waits for arequest confirmation packet transmitted from the charging apparatus 300(step S304). If the reception of the carrier interrupts during waitingfor a request confirmation packet in step S304, the process returns tostep S302.

Subsequently, the control unit 218 determines whether the receiving unit214 has received a request confirmation packet or not (step S305). Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 29A, a request confirmation packet 10transmitted from the charging apparatus 300 having a noncontactcommunication function and a noncontact charging function includes apreamble 12, data 14, charging function presence/absence determinationdata 16 serving as charging authentication data, and data 18.

If it is determined in step S305 that the receiving unit 214 hasreceived a request confirmation packet (YES in step S305), the controlunit 218 determines whether charging authentication data contained inthe received request confirmation packet is valid or not (step S306).

If it is determined in step S306 that the charging authentication datais not valid (NO in step S306), the request is a normal communicationrequest. Thus, the control unit 218 causes the transmitting unit 216 totransmit a communication request packet to the charging apparatus 300(step S307) and performs a normal communication process with thecharging apparatus 300 (step S308), and the process returns to stepS304.

If it is determined in step S306 that the charging authentication datais valid (YES in step S306), the control unit 218 obtains remainingpower information of the battery 222 from the charging IC 220, anddetermines whether the remaining power of the battery 222 is equal to orhigher than a threshold or not on the basis of the obtained remainingpower information of the battery 222 (step S309).

If it is determined in step S309 that the remaining power of the battery222 is equal to or higher than the threshold (YES in step S309), thecontrol unit 218 determines whether a charging priority mode is set inthe information processing apparatus 200 or not (step S310), higherpriority being put on charging than communication in the chargingpriority mode. Here, the charging priority mode may be set by a user, orby the control unit 218 on the basis of the status of the informationprocessing apparatus 200.

If it is determined in step S310 that the charging priority mode is notset (NO in step S310), higher priority is put on communication and thusthe process proceeds to step S307.

If it is determined in step S309 that the remaining power of the battery222 is lower than the threshold (NO in step S309), or if it isdetermined in step S310 that the charging priority mode is set (YES instep S310), the control unit 218 causes the transmitting unit 216 totransmit a charging authentication packet to the charging apparatus 300(step S311). As illustrated in FIG. 29B, a charging authenticationpacket 20 transmitted by the information processing apparatus 200 havinga noncontact communication function and a noncontact charging functionincludes a preamble 22, data 24, charging function presence/absence data26 serving as charging authentication data, and data 28. In addition, asillustrated in FIG. 29C, a charging authentication packet 30 transmittedby an information processing apparatus 800 illustrated in FIG. 24(described below) that has a noncontact communication function and thatdoes not have a noncontact charging function includes a preamble 32,data 34, charging function presence/absence data 36 serving as chargingauthentication data, and data 38. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 29D,another charging authentication packet 40 transmitted by the informationprocessing apparatus 800 illustrated in FIG. 24 that has a noncontactcommunication function and that does not have a noncontact chargingfunction includes a preamble 42 and data 44.

The charging apparatus 300 that has received the charging authenticationpacket transmitted in step S311 starts transmitting power for chargingthe battery 222 of the information processing apparatus 200 after apredetermined time period has elapsed. Thus, the control unit 218transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna 202 toa Q value higher than the Q value set in step S301, for example, 50 toseveral hundred (an example of the second value), to the Q value settingswitch 204. The Q value setting switch 204 that has received the settingsignal sets the Q value of the antenna 202 to the high Q value (stepS312).

Subsequently, the control unit 218 monitors charging of the battery 222(step S313).

Subsequently, the control unit 218 determines whether the receiving unit208 of the charging unit 206 is receiving power for charging the battery222 or not (step S314).

If it is determined in step S314 that the receiving unit 208 isreceiving charging power (YES in step S314), the control unit 218obtains remaining power information of the battery 222 from the chargingIC 220 and determines whether the battery 222 is fully charged or not(step S315).

If it is determined in step S315 that the battery 222 is not fullycharged (NO in step S315), the control unit 218 causes the transmittingunit 210 of the charging unit 206 to transmit aduring-charging-indication packet to the charging apparatus 300 (stepS316), and the process returns to step S313. In step S316, communicationis performed at a sufficiently-low data transmission rate so thatcommunication can be performed even if the Q value of the antenna 202 ishigh.

If it is determined in step S315 that the battery 222 is fully charged(YES in step S315), the control unit 218 does not cause the transmittingunit 210 of the charging unit 206 to transmit aduring-charging-indication packet to the charging apparatus 300, and theprocess returns to step S313.

If it is determined in step S314 that the receiving unit 208 is notreceiving charging power, that is, if reception of power from thecharging apparatus 300 stops because the control unit 218 does not causethe transmitting unit 210 of the charging unit 206 to transmit aduring-charging-indication packet, or if the information processingapparatus 200 has been moved to the outside of a communication area ofthe charging apparatus 300 (NO in step S314), the control unit 218transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna 202 toa low Q value to the Q value setting switch 204, and the Q value settingswitch 204 that has received the setting signal sets the Q value of theantenna 202 to the low Q value (step S317). Then, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S305 that the receivingunit 214 of the communication unit 212 has not received a requestconfirmation packet (NO in step S305), the process proceeds to step S318in FIG. 10, where the control unit 218 determines whether apredetermined time period has elapsed from the waiting for a requestconfirmation packet in step S304 or not.

If it is determined in step S318 that the predetermined time period hasnot elapsed (NO in step S318), the process returns to step S304 in FIG.9.

If it is determined in step S318 that the predetermined time period haselapsed (YES in step S318), the control unit 218 assumes that a chargingapparatus that has a noncontact charging function and that does not havea noncontact communication function, for example, the charging apparatus700 illustrated in FIG. 19 described below, exists near the informationprocessing apparatus 200, and transmits a setting signal for setting theQ value of the antenna 202 to a Q value higher than the Q value set instep S301, for example, 50 to several hundred (an example of the secondvalue), to the Q value setting switch 204. The Q value setting switch204 that has received the setting signal sets the Q value of the antenna202 to the high Q value (step S319).

Subsequently, the control unit 218 waits for a charging authenticationpacket transmitted from the charging apparatus 700 illustrated in FIG.19 (step S320). In step S320, the charging apparatus 700 illustrated inFIG. 19 performs communication at a sufficiently-low data transmissionrate so that communication can be performed even if the Q value of theantenna 202 is high.

Subsequently, the control unit 218 determines whether the receiving unit208 of the charging unit 206 has received a charging authenticationpacket or not (step S321). As illustrated in FIG. 30A, a chargingauthentication packet 50 transmitted from the charging apparatus 700illustrated in FIG. 19 includes a preamble 52 and chargingauthentication data 54.

If it is determined in step S321 that the receiving unit 208 hasreceived a charging authentication packet (YES in step S321), thecontrol unit 218 determines whether the received charging authenticationpacket is valid or not (step S322). If the charging authenticationpacket is not valid (NO in step S322), the process returns to step S320.

If it is determined in step S322 that the charging authentication packetis valid (YES in step S322), the control unit 218 causes thetransmitting unit 210 of the charging unit 206 to transmit a chargingauthentication packet to the charging apparatus 700 illustrated in FIG.19 (step S323), and the process proceeds to step S313 in FIG. 9. Asillustrated in FIG. 30B, a charging authentication packet 60 transmittedby the information processing apparatus 200 in step S323 includes apreamble 62 and charging authentication return data 64.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S321 that the receivingunit 208 has not received a charging authentication packet (NO in stepS321), the control unit 218 determines whether a predetermined timeperiod has elapsed from the waiting for a charging authentication packetin step S320 or not (step S324).

If it is determined in step S324 that the predetermined time period hasnot elapsed (NO in step S324), the process returns to step S320.

If it is determined in step S324 that the predetermined time period haselapsed (YES in step S324), the control unit 218 transmits a settingsignal for setting the Q value of the antenna 202 to a low Q value, forexample, 10 to 20 (an example of the first value), to the Q valuesetting switch 204. The Q value setting switch 204 that has received thesetting signal sets the Q value of the antenna 202 to a low Q value(step S325). Then, the process returns to step S304 in FIG. 9.

According to the second communication/charging process illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10, the Q value of the antenna 202 is set to a low Q valuewhen a packet such as a request confirmation packet is received from thecharging apparatus 300, and the Q value of the antenna 202 is set to ahigh Q value when power for charging the battery 222 is received fromthe charging apparatus 300. When the Q value of the antenna 202 is low,the bandwidth is wide and thus data transmission can be efficientlyperformed. When the Q value of the antenna 202 is high, the amplitude ofa carrier can be increased and thus reception of charging power can beefficiently performed. Accordingly, noncontact communication andnoncontact charging can be efficiently performed by using the singleantenna.

Furthermore, in a case where the charging apparatus 700 illustrated inFIG. 19 that has a noncontact charging function and that does not have anoncontact communication function exists near the information processingapparatus 200, the Q value of the antenna 202 is set to a high Q valuewhen power for charging the battery 222 is received from the chargingapparatus 700. Thus, even in the case where the charging apparatus 700exists near the information processing apparatus 200, noncontactcharging can be efficiently performed by using the single antenna.

Second Communication/Charging Process Performed by Charging ApparatusAccording to First Embodiment

Next, a second communication/charging process performed by the chargingapparatus 300 according to the first embodiment of the invention will bedescribed. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the second communication/chargingprocess performed by the charging apparatus 300 according to the firstembodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 is a flowchart continued from theflowchart illustrated in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 11, after the power of the charging apparatus 300 hasbeen turned on, the control unit 318 of the charging apparatus 300transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna 302 toa low Q value, for example, 10 to 20 (an example of the first value), tothe Q value setting switch 304. The Q value setting switch 304 that hasreceived the setting signal sets the Q value of the antenna 302 to thelow Q value (step S401).

Subsequently, the control unit 318 causes the transmitting unit 316 ofthe communication unit 312 to transmit a request confirmation packet,for example, the packet illustrated in FIG. 29A (step S402).

Subsequently, the control unit 318 determines whether the receiving unit314 has received a return packet or not (step S403).

If it is determined in step S403 that the receiving unit 314 hasreceived a return packet (YES in step S403), the control unit 318determines whether the content of the return packet is a communicationrequest or a charging request (step S404).

If it is determined in step S404 that the content of the return packetis a communication request (communication request in step S404), thecontrol unit 318 determines whether the charging apparatus 300 has adata transmission request or not (step S405). If the charging apparatus300 does not have a data transmission request (NO in step S405), theprocess returns to step S402.

If it is determined in step S405 that the charging apparatus 300 has adata transmission request (YES in step S405), the control unit performsa normal communication process (step S406) and the process returns tostep S402.

If it is determined in step S404 that the content of the return packetis a charging request (charging request in step S404), the control unit318 transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna302 to a Q value higher than the Q value set in step S401, for example,50 to several hundred (an example of the second value), to the Q valuesetting switch 304. The Q value setting switch 304 that has received thesetting signal sets the Q value of the antenna 302 to the high Q value(step S407).

Subsequently, the control unit 318 waits for a predetermined time period(step S408) and then causes the transmitting unit 310 of the chargingunit 306 to transmit power for charging the battery 222 of theinformation processing apparatus 200 (step S409).

Subsequently, the control unit 318 determines, at predetermined timeintervals, whether the receiving unit 308 of the charging unit 306 hasreceived a during-charging-indication packet transmitted from theinformation processing apparatus 200 or not (step S410).

If it is determined in step S410 that the receiving unit 308 hasreceived a during-charging-indication packet (YES in step S410),charging of the battery 222 of the information processing apparatus 200has not been completed, and thus the process returns to step S409.

If it is determined in step S410 that the receiving unit 308 has notreceived a during-charging-indication packet (NO in step S410), chargingof the battery 222 of the information processing apparatus 200 has beencompleted, or the information processing apparatus 200 has been moved tothe outside of a communication area of the charging apparatus 300. Thus,the control unit 318 causes the transmitting unit 310 of the chargingunit 306 to stop transmitting charging power (step S411).

Subsequently, the control unit 318 transmits a setting signal forsetting the Q value of the antenna 302 to a low Q value to the Q valuesetting switch 304. The Q value setting switch 304 that has received thesetting signal sets the Q value of the antenna 302 to a low Q value(step S412), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S403 that the receivingunit 314 has not received a return packet (NO in step S403), the processproceeds to step S413 in FIG. 12, where the control unit 318 determineswhether a predetermined time period has elapsed from the transmission ofthe request confirmation packet in step S402 or not.

If it is determined in step S413 that the predetermined time period hasnot elapsed (NO in step S413), the process returns to step S403 in FIG.11.

If it is determined in step S413 that the predetermined time period haselapsed (YES in step S413), the control unit 318 assumes that aninformation processing apparatus that has a noncontact charging functionand that does not have a noncontact communication function, for example,an information processing apparatus 900 illustrated in FIG. 27 describedbelow, exists near the charging apparatus 300, and transmits a settingsignal for setting the Q value of the antenna 302 to a Q value higherthan the Q value set in step S401, for example, 50 to several hundred(an example of the second value), to the Q value setting switch 304. TheQ value setting switch 304 that has received the setting signal sets theQ value of the antenna 302 to the high Q value (step S414).

Subsequently, the control unit 318 causes the transmitting unit 310 ofthe charging unit 306 to transmit a charging authentication packet (stepS415). In step S415, the charging apparatus 300 performs communicationat a sufficiently-low data transmission rate so that communication canbe performed even if the Q value of the antenna 302 is high.

Subsequently, the control unit 318 determines whether the receiving unit308 of the charging unit 306 has received a return packet or not (stepS416).

If it is determined in step S416 that the receiving unit 308 hasreceived a return packet (YES in step S416), the control unit 318determines whether the received return packet is valid or not (stepS417). If the return packet is not valid (NO in step S417), the processreturns to step S416.

If it is determined in step S417 that the return packet is valid (YES instep S417), the process proceeds to step S409 in FIG. 11.

If it is determined in step S416 that the receiving unit 308 has notreceived a return packet (NO in step S416), the control unit 318determines whether a predetermined time period has elapsed from thetransmission of the charging authentication packet in step S415 or not(step S418).

If it is determined in step S418 that the predetermined time period hasnot elapsed (NO in step S418), the process returns to step S416.

If it is determined in step S418 that the predetermined time period haselapsed (YES in step S418), the process returns to step S401 in FIG. 11.

According to the second communication/charging process illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12, the Q value of the antenna 302 is set to a low Q valuewhen a packet such as a request confirmation packet is transmitted, andthe Q value of the antenna 302 is set to a high Q value when power forcharging the battery 222 of the information processing apparatus 200 istransmitted. Accordingly, the same effects as those in theabove-described second communication/charging process illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10 can be obtained.

Furthermore, in a case where the information processing apparatus 900illustrated in FIG. 27 that has a noncontact charging function and thatdoes not have a noncontact communication function exists near thecharging apparatus 300, the Q value of the antenna 302 is set to a highQ value when power for charging a battery 922 of the informationprocessing apparatus 900 is transmitted. Thus, even in the case wherethe information processing apparatus 900 exists near the chargingapparatus 300, noncontact charging can be efficiently performed by usingthe single antenna.

Third Communication/Charging Process Performed by Information ProcessingApparatus According to First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a third communication/charging process performed by theinformation processing apparatus 200 according to the first embodimentof the invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the thirdcommunication/charging process performed by the information processingapparatus 200 according to the first embodiment of the invention. Thisprocess is performed when the remaining power of the battery 222 is toolow to supply power to the communication unit 212 in the informationprocessing apparatus 200.

Referring to FIG. 13, when the remaining power of the battery 222 is toolow to supply power to the communication unit 212 in the informationprocessing apparatus 200, thereby causing the power of the informationprocessing apparatus 200 to be turned off (step S501), the control unit218 transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna202 to a high Q value, for example, 50 to several hundred (an example ofthe second value), to the Q value setting switch 204. The Q valuesetting switch 204 that has received the setting signal sets the Q valueof the antenna 202 to the high Q value (step S502).

Subsequently, when the receiving unit 208 of the charging unit 206receives power from the charging apparatus 300 or the charging apparatus700 illustrated in FIG. 19 described below, the charging unit 206 isstarted by the received power (step S503).

Subsequently, the control unit 218 waits for a charging authenticationpacket transmitted from the charging apparatus 300 or the chargingapparatus 700 illustrated in FIG. 19 (step S504). In step S504, thecharging apparatus 300 or the charging apparatus 700 performscommunication at a sufficiently-low data transmission rate so thatcommunication can be performed even if the Q value of the antenna 202 ishigh.

Subsequently, the control unit 218 determines whether the receiving unit208 of the charging unit 206 has received a charging authenticationpacket or not (step S505). If the receiving unit 208 has not received acharging authentication packet (NO in step S505), the process returns tostep S504.

If it is determined in step S505 that the receiving unit 208 hasreceived a charging authentication packet (YES in step S505), thecontrol unit 218 determines whether the received charging authenticationpacket is valid or not (step S506). If the charge authentication packetis not valid (NO in step S506), the process returns to step S504.

If it is determined in step S506 that the charging authentication packetis valid (YES in step S506), the control unit 218 causes thetransmitting unit 210 of the charging unit 206 to transmit a chargingauthentication packet to the charging apparatus 300 or the chargingapparatus 700 (step S507).

Subsequently, the control unit 218 monitors charging of the battery 222(step S508).

Subsequently, the control unit 218 determines whether the receiving unit208 of the charging unit 206 is receiving a carrier or not (step S509).

If it is determined in step S509 that the receiving unit 208 of thecharging unit 206 is receiving a carrier (YES in step S509), the controlunit 218 determines whether the receiving unit 208 of the charging unit206 is receiving power for charging the battery 222 or not (step S510).

If it is determined in step S510 that the receiving unit 208 isreceiving charging power (YES in step S510), the control unit 218obtains remaining power information of the battery 222 from the chargingIC 220 and determines whether the battery 222 is fully charged or not(step S511).

If it is determined in step S511 that the battery 222 is not fullycharged (NO in step S511), the control unit 218 causes the transmittingunit 210 of the charging unit 206 to transmit aduring-charging-indication packet to the charging apparatus 300 or thecharging apparatus 700 (step S512), and the process returns to stepS508. In step S512, communication is performed at a sufficiently-lowdata transmission rate so that communication can be performed even ifthe Q value of the antenna 202 is high.

If it is determined in step S511 that the battery 222 is fully charged(YES in step S511), the control unit 218 does not cause the transmittingunit 210 of the charging unit 206 to transmit aduring-charging-indication packet to the charging apparatus 300, and theprocess returns to step S508.

If it is determined in step S510 that the receiving unit 208 is notreceiving charging power, that is, if reception of power from thecharging apparatus 300 stops because the control unit 218 does not causethe transmitting unit 210 of the charging unit 206 to transmit aduring-charging-indication packet (NO in step S510), the control unit218 transmits a setting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna202 to a low Q value to the Q value setting switch 204, and the Q valuesetting switch 204 that has received the setting signal sets the Q valueof the antenna 202 to the low Q value (step S513). Then, the processends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S509 that the receivingunit 208 of the charging unit 206 is not receiving a carrier, that is,if the information processing apparatus 200 has been moved to theoutside of a communication area of the charging apparatus 300 (NO instep S509), the control unit 218 obtains remaining power information ofthe battery 222 from the charging IC 220 and determines whether theremaining power of the battery 222 is equal to or higher than athreshold or not (step S514).

If it is determined in step S514 that the remaining power of the battery222 is equal to or higher than the threshold (YES in step S514), theprocess proceeds to step S513.

If it is determined in step S514 that the remaining power of the battery222 is lower than the threshold (NO in step S514), the process ends.

According to the third communication/charging process illustrated inFIG. 13, when the remaining power of the battery 222 is too low tosupply power to the communication unit 212 in the information processingapparatus 200, thereby causing the power of the information processingapparatus 200 to be turned off, the Q value of the antenna 202 is set toa high Q value. Thus, even in a state where the information processingapparatus 200 is turned off and is incapable of performing noncontactcommunication, noncontact charging can be efficiently performed.

Configuration of Information Processing System According to SecondEmbodiment

Hereinafter, an information processing system according to a secondembodiment of the invention will be described. FIGS. 14A and 14Billustrate an information processing system 110 according to the secondembodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 14A, the information processing system 110 includesthe above-described information processing apparatus 200 illustrated inFIG. 2 and a reader/writer 500 that has a noncontact communicationfunction and that does not have a noncontact charging function.

The information processing apparatus 200 has a battery therein (notillustrated) and is provided with the single antenna 202 that is usedfor communication with the reader/writer 500.

The reader/writer 500 is provided with a single antenna 502 that is usedfor communication with the information processing apparatus 200.

As illustrated in FIG. 14B, when the information processing apparatus200 is placed on the reader/writer 500 or when the informationprocessing apparatus 200 is close to the reader/writer 500 in theinformation processing system 110, noncontact communication isperformed.

In the information processing system 110 according to the secondembodiment, the information processing apparatus 200 performs theabove-described second communication/charging process illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10, and the reader/writer 500 performs a communicationprocess described below with reference to FIG. 16. Accordingly,noncontact communication between the information processing apparatus200 and the reader/writer 500 can be efficiently performed by using thesingle antennas in both the apparatuses.

Schematic Configuration of Reader/Writer According to Second Embodiment

Next, the reader/writer 500 according to the second embodiment of theinvention will be described. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating aschematic configuration of the reader/writer 500 according to the secondembodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 15, the reader/writer 500 includes an antenna 502, acommunication unit 512, a control unit 518, and a power supply IC 520connected to an AC power supply 522.

The antenna 502 transmits a polling signal and a communication packet.The Q value of the antenna 502 is set to a low Q value. Thecommunication unit 512 includes a receiving unit 514 that receives areturn packet transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200and a transmitting unit 516 that transmits a polling signal and acommunication packet.

The control unit 518 controls the communication unit 512 and the powersupply IC 520. The power supply IC 520 efficiently supplies power fromthe AC power supply 522 to each unit of the reader/writer 500.Alternatively, the power supply IC 520 may supply power from a DC powersupply (not illustrated) to each unit of the reader/writer 500.

Communication Process Performed by Reader/Writer According to SecondEmbodiment

Next, a communication process performed by the reader/writer 500according to the second embodiment of the invention will be described.FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the communication process performed by thereader/writer 500 according to the second embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 16, after the power of the reader/writer 500 has beenturned on, the control unit 518 causes the transmitting unit 516 of thecommunication unit 512 to transmit a polling signal (step S601).

Subsequently, the control unit 518 determines whether the receiving unit514 of the communication unit 512 has received a return packet or not(step S602).

If it is determined in step S602 that the receiving unit 514 has notreceived a return packet (NO in step S602), the process returns to stepS601.

If it is determined in step S602 that the receiving unit 514 hasreceived a return packet (YES in step S602), the control unit 518determines whether the received return packet is valid or not (stepS603).

If it is determined in step S603 that the return packet is not valid (NOin step S603), the process returns to step S601.

If it is determined in step S603 that the return packet is valid (YES instep S603), the control unit 518 performs a normal noncontactcommunication process (step S604), and the process ends.

Configuration of Information Processing System According to ThirdEmbodiment

Hereinafter, an information processing system according to a thirdembodiment of the invention will be described. FIGS. 17A and 17Billustrate an information processing system 120 according to the thirdembodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 17A, the information processing system 120 includes aninformation processing apparatus 600, such as a mobile phone terminal,and the charging apparatus 700 that has a noncontact charging functionand that does not have a noncontact communication function.

The information processing apparatus 600 has a battery therein (notillustrated) and is provided with a single antenna 602 that is used forreceiving power for charging the battery.

The charging apparatus 700 is provided with a single antenna 702 that isused for transmitting power for charging the battery included in theinformation processing apparatus 600.

As illustrated in FIG. 17B, when the information processing apparatus600 is placed on the charging apparatus 700 or when the informationprocessing apparatus 600 is close to the charging apparatus 700 in theinformation processing system 120, noncontact charging of the batteryincluded in the information processing apparatus 600 is performed.

In the information processing system 120 according to the thirdembodiment, the information processing apparatus 600 performs acommunication/charging process described below with reference to FIGS.20 and 21, and the charging apparatus 700 performs a charging processdescribed below with reference to FIG. 22. Accordingly, noncontactcharging between the information processing apparatus 600 and thecharging apparatus 700 can be efficiently performed by using the singleantennas in both the apparatuses.

Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus According to ThirdEmbodiment

Next, the information processing apparatus 600 according to the thirdembodiment of the invention will be described. FIG. 18 is a blockdiagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the informationprocessing apparatus 600 according to the third embodiment of theinvention.

Referring to FIG. 18, the information processing apparatus 600 includesthe antenna 602, a Q value setting switch 604, a charging unit 606, acommunication unit 612, a control unit 618, a charging IC 620, a battery622, a voltage detecting circuit 624, and a limiting resistor 626connected to a ground (GND) 628.

The antenna 602 receives a packet transmitted from the chargingapparatus 700. Also, the antenna 602 receives power for charging thebattery 622 from the charging apparatus 700.

The Q value setting switch 604 selectively sets the Q value of theantenna 602 on the basis of a setting signal transmitted from thecontrol unit 618. For example, the Q value setting switch 604selectively sets the Q value of the antenna 602 so that the antenna 602has a low Q1 value, a low Q2 value, or a high Q value.

The charging unit 606 includes a receiving unit 608 that receives powerfor charging the battery 622 received by the antenna 602. Also, thecharging unit 606 includes a transmitting unit 610 that transmits aduring-charging-indication packet for intermittently requestingcontinuation of transmission of charging power to the charging apparatus700 until charging of the battery 622 is completed. The transmittingunit 610 transmits the during-charging-indication packet by using loadmodulation at a data transmission rate lower than a normal datatransmission rate.

The communication unit 612 includes a receiving unit 614 that receives apacket received by the antenna 602. Also, the communication unit 612includes a transmitting unit 616 that transmits a response packet to thecharging apparatus 700. The transmitting unit 616 transmits a responsepacket by using load modulation at a normal data transmission rate.

The control unit 618 controls the Q value setting switch 604, thecharging unit 606, the communication unit 612, the charging IC 620, andthe voltage detecting circuit 624. The control unit 618 controlsconnection between the antenna 602 and the limiting resistor 626 on thebasis of a control signal transmitted from the voltage detecting circuit624.

The charging IC 620 performs charging of the battery 620 and efficientlysupplies power from the battery 622 to each unit of the informationprocessing apparatus 600.

The voltage detecting circuit 624 detects a voltage input to the antenna602 and transmits a control signal corresponding to the input voltage tothe control unit 618. On the basis of the control signal transmittedfrom the voltage detecting circuit 624, the control unit 618 transmits asetting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna 602 to the low Q2value to the Q value setting switch 604 when a high voltage for chargingthe battery 622 is input to the antenna 602 in a case where the Q valueof the antenna 602 is set to the low Q1 value.

The limiting resistor 626 is provided for preventing breakdown of thecommunication unit 612 when a high voltage for charging the battery 622is input to the antenna 602 in a case where the Q value of the antenna602 is set to the low Q1 value.

Configuration of Charging Apparatus According to Third Embodiment

Next, the charging apparatus 700 according to the third embodiment ofthe invention will be described. FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustratinga schematic configuration of the charging apparatus 700 according to thethird embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 19, the charging apparatus 700 includes an antenna702, a charging unit 706, a control unit 718, and a power supply IC 720connected to an AC power supply 722.

The antenna 702 transmits a charging authentication packet and transmitspower for charging the battery 622 of the information processingapparatus 600. The Q value of the antenna 702 is set to a high Q value.The charging unit 706 includes a receiving unit 708 that receives aduring-charging-indication packet transmitted from the informationprocessing apparatus 600 and a transmitting unit 710 that transmitspower for charging the battery 622 of the information processingapparatus 600.

The control unit 718 controls the charging unit 706 and the power supplyIC 720. The power supply IC 720 efficiently supplies power from the ACpower supply 722 to each unit of the charging apparatus 700.Alternatively, the power supply IC 720 may supply power from a DC powersupply (not illustrated) to each unit of the charging apparatus 700.

Communication/Charging Process Performed by Information ProcessingApparatus According to Third Embodiment

Next, a communication/charging process performed by the informationprocessing apparatus 600 according to the third embodiment of theinvention will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart of thecommunication/charging process performed by the information processingapparatus 600 according to the third embodiment of the invention. FIG.21 is a flowchart continued from the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 20.

Referring to FIG. 20, after the power of the information processingapparatus 600 has been turned on, the control unit 618 of theinformation processing apparatus 600 transmits a setting signal forsetting the Q value of the antenna 602 to a low Q1 value, for example,10 to 20 (an example of the first value), to the Q value setting switch604. The Q value setting switch 604 that has received the setting signalsets the Q value of the antenna 602 to the low Q1 value (step S701).

Subsequently, the control unit 618 causes the receiving unit 614 of thecommunication unit 612 to wait for a carrier of 13.56 MHz transmittedfrom the charging apparatus 700 (step S702).

Subsequently, the control unit 618 determines whether the receiving unit614 has received a carrier or not (step S703). If the receiving unit 614has not received a carrier (NO in step S703), the process returns tostep S702.

If it is determined in step S703 that the receiving unit 614 hasreceived a carrier (YES in step S703), the control unit 618 determineswhether the voltage input to the antenna 602 is equal to or higher thana first threshold or not on the basis of a control signal transmittedfrom the voltage detecting circuit 624 (step S704). If the voltage inputto the antenna 602 is equal to or higher than the first threshold and ifthe Q value of the antenna 602 is set to the low Q1 value by the Q valuesetting switch 604, it is possible that the circuit of the communicationunit 612 is destroyed. That is, the first threshold is set in order toprevent the circuit of the communication unit 612 from being destroyed.

If it is determined in step S704 that the voltage input to the antenna602 is equal to or higher than the first threshold (YES in step S704),the control unit 618 transmits a setting signal for setting the Q valueof the antenna 602 to a low Q2 value, for example, 10 to 20, to the Qvalue setting switch 604. The Q value setting switch 604 that hasreceived the setting signal sets the Q value of the antenna 602 to thelow Q2 value (step 705). That is, in step S705, the antenna 602 isconnected to the limiting resistor 626.

Subsequently, the control unit 618 determines whether the voltage inputto the antenna 602 is equal to or higher than a second threshold or noton the basis of a control signal transmitted from the voltage detectingcircuit 624 (step S706).

If it is determined in step S706 that the voltage input to the antenna602 is equal to or higher than the second threshold (YES in step S706),step S706 is repeated.

If it is determined in step S706 that the voltage input to the antenna602 is lower than the second threshold (NO in step S706), the processreturns to step S701. That is, in step S701, the antenna 602 isdisconnected from the limiting resistor 626. The reason why differentthresholds are used in steps S704 and S706 is that the second thresholdis set considering a voltage drop in the limiting resistor 626 from thefirst threshold.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S704 that the voltageinput to the antenna 602 is lower than the first threshold (NO in stepS704), the control unit 618 waits for a request confirmation packettransmitted from the outside (step S707). If reception of a carrier isinterrupted during waiting for a request confirmation packet in stepS707, the process returns to step S702.

Subsequently, the control unit 618 determines whether the receiving unit614 has received a request confirmation packet or not (step S708).

If it is determined in step S708 that the receiving unit 614 hasreceived a request confirmation packet (YES in step S708), the controlunit 618 determines whether charging authentication data contained inthe received request confirmation packet is valid or not (step S709).

If it is determined in step S709 that the charging authentication datais not valid (NO in step S709), the packet is a normal communicationrequest. Thus, the control unit 618 causes the transmitting unit 616 totransmit a communication request packet to the outside (step S710) andperforms a normal noncontact communication process with the outside(step S711). Then, the process returns to step S707.

If it is determined in step S709 that the charging authentication datais valid (YES in step S709), the control unit 618 obtains remainingpower information of the battery 622 from the charging IC 620, anddetermines whether the remaining power of the battery 622 is equal to orhigher than a threshold or not on the basis of the obtained remainingpower information of the battery 622 (step S712).

If it is determined in step S712 that the remaining power of the battery622 is equal to or higher than the threshold (YES in step S712), thecontrol unit 618 determines whether a charging priority mode is set inthe information processing apparatus 600 or not, higher priority beingput on charging than communication in the charging priority mode (stepS713). Here, the charging priority mode may be set by a user, or by thecontrol unit 618 on the basis of the status of the informationprocessing apparatus 600.

If it is determined in step S713 that the charging priority mode is notset (NO in step S713), the process proceeds to step S710 topreferentially perform communication.

If it is determined in step S712 that the remaining power of the battery622 is lower than the threshold (NO in step S712) or if it is determinedin step S713 that the charging priority mode is set (YES in step S713),the control unit 618 causes the transmitting unit 616 to transmit acharging authentication packet to the charging apparatus 700 (stepS714).

The charging apparatus 700 that has received the charging authenticationpacket transmitted in step S714 starts transmitting power for chargingthe battery 622 of the information processing apparatus 600 after apredetermined time period. Thus, the control unit 618 transmits asetting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna 602 to a Q valuehigher than the Q value set in step S701, for example, 50 to severalhundred (an example of the second value), to the Q value setting switch604. The Q value setting switch 604 that has received the setting signalsets the Q value of the antenna 602 to the high Q value (step S715).

Subsequently, the control unit 618 monitors charging of the battery 622(step S716).

Subsequently, the control unit 618 determines whether the receiving unit608 of the charging unit 606 is receiving power for charging the battery622 or not (step S717).

If it is determined in step S717 that the receiving unit 608 isreceiving charging power (YES in step S717), the control unit 618obtains remaining power information of the battery 622 from the chargingIC 620 and determines whether the battery 622 is fully charged or not(step S718).

If it is determines in step S718 that the battery 622 is not fullycharged (NO in step S718), the control unit 618 causes the transmittingunit 610 of the charging unit 606 to transmit aduring-charging-indication packet to the charging apparatus 700 (stepS719), and the process returns to step S716. In step S719, communicationis performed at a sufficiently-low data transmission rate so thatcommunication can be performed even if the Q value of the antenna 602 ishigh.

If it is determined in step S718 that the battery 622 is fully charged(YES in step S718), the control unit 618 does not cause the transmittingunit 610 of the charging unit 606 to transmit aduring-charging-indication packet to the charging apparatus 700, and theprocess returns to step S716.

If it is determined in step S717 that the receiving unit 608 is notreceiving charging power, that is, if reception of power from thecharging apparatus 700 is stopped because the control unit 618 does notcause the transmitting unit 610 of the charging unit 606 to transmit aduring-charging-indication packet, or if the information processingapparatus 600 is moved to the outside of a communication area of thecharging apparatus 700 (NO in step S717), the control unit 618 transmitsa setting signal for setting the Q value of the antenna 602 to a low Q1value to the Q value setting switch 604. The Q value setting switch 604that has received the setting signal sets the Q value of the antenna 602to the low Q1 value (step S720), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S708 that the receivingunit 614 of the communication unit 612 has not received a requestconfirmation packet (NO in step S708), the process proceeds to step S721in FIG. 21, where the control unit 618 determines whether apredetermined time period has elapsed from the waiting for a requestconfirmation packet in step S707 or not.

If it is determined in step S721 that the predetermined time period hasnot elapsed (NO in step S721), the process returns to step S707 in FIG.20.

If it is determined in step S721 that the predetermined time period haselapsed (YES in step S721), the control unit 618 assumes that thecharging apparatus 700 that has a noncontact charging function and thatdoes not have a noncontact communication function exists near theinformation processing apparatus 600, and transmits a setting signal forsetting the Q value of the antenna 602 to a Q value higher than the Qvalue set in step S701, for example, 50 to several hundred (an exampleof the second value), to the Q value setting switch 604. The Q valuesetting switch 604 that has received the setting signal sets the Q valueof the antenna 602 to the high Q value (step S722).

Subsequently, the control unit 618 waits for a charging authenticationpacket transmitted from the charging apparatus 700 (step S723). In stepS723, the charging apparatus 700 performs communication at asufficiently-low data transmission rate so that communication can beperformed even if the Q value of the antenna 602 is high.

Subsequently, the control unit 618 determines whether the receiving unit608 of the charging unit 606 has received a charging authenticationpacket or not (step S724).

If it is determined in step S724 that the receiving unit 608 hasreceived a charging authentication packet (YES in step S724), thecontrol unit 618 determines whether the received charging authenticationpacket is valid or not (step S725). If the charging authenticationpacket is not valid (NO in step S725), the process returns to step S723.

If it is determined in step S725 that the charging authentication packetis valid (YES in step S725), the control unit 618 causes thetransmitting unit 610 of the charging unit 606 to transmit a chargingauthentication packet to the charging apparatus 700 (step S726), and theprocess proceeds to step S716 in FIG. 20.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S724 that the receivingunit 608 has not received a charging authentication packet (NO in stepS724), the control unit 618 determines whether a predetermined timeperiod has elapsed from the waiting for a charging authentication packetin step S723 or not (step S727).

If it is determined in step S727 that the predetermined time period hasnot elapsed (NO in step S727), the process returns to step S723.

If it is determined in step S727 that the predetermined time period haselapsed (YES in step S727), the control unit 618 transmits a settingsignal for setting the Q value of the antenna 602 to a low Q1 value, forexample, 10 to 20 (an example of the first value), to the Q valuesetting switch 604. The Q value setting switch 604 that has received thesetting signal sets the Q value of the antenna 602 to the low Q1 value(step 728). Then, the process returns to step S707 in FIG. 20.

According to the communication/charging process illustrated in FIGS. 20and 21, even in a case where the charging apparatus 700 that has anoncontact charging function and that does not have a noncontactcommunication function exists near the information processing apparatus600, the Q value of the antenna 602 is set to a high Q value when powerfor charging the battery 622 is received from the charging apparatus700. Accordingly, even in a case where the charging apparatus 700 existsnear the information processing apparatus 600, noncontact charging canbe performed by using the single antenna.

Furthermore, in a case where the Q value of the antenna 602 is set to alow Q1 value by the Q value setting switch 604, the Q value of theantenna 602 is set to a low Q2 value when a voltage equal to or higherthan the first threshold is input to the antenna 602. Accordingly, theantenna 602 is connected to the limiting resistor 626. This prevents ahigh voltage from being applied to the communication unit 612 to destroythe circuit of the communication unit 612.

Charging Process Performed by Charging Apparatus According to ThirdEmbodiment

Next, a charging process performed by the charging apparatus 700according to the third embodiment of the invention will be described.FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the charging process performed by the chargingapparatus 700 according to the third embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 22, the control unit 718 of the charging apparatus 700causes the transmitting unit 710 of the charging unit 706 to transmit acharging authentication packet (step S801). In step S801, the chargingapparatus 700 performs communication at a sufficiently-low datatransmission rate so that communication can be performed even if the Qvalue of the antenna 702 is high.

Subsequently, the control unit 718 determines whether the receiving unit708 of the charging unit 706 has received a return packet or not (stepS802). If the receiving unit 708 has not received a return packet (NO instep S802), the process returns to step S801.

If it is determined in step S802 that the receiving unit 708 hasreceived a return packet (YES in step S802), the control unit 718determines whether the received return packet is valid or not (stepS803). If the return packet is not valid (NO in step S803), the processreturns to step S801.

If it is determined in step S803 that the return packet is valid (YES instep S803), the control unit 718 causes the transmitting unit 710 of thecharging unit 706 to transmit power for charging the battery 622 of theinformation processing apparatus 600 (step S804).

Subsequently, the control unit 718 determines, at predetermined timeintervals, whether the receiving unit 708 of the charging unit 706 hasreceived a during-charging-indication packet transmitted from theinformation processing apparatus 600 or not (step S805).

If it is determined in step S805 that the receiving unit 708 hasreceived a during-charging-indication packet (YES in step S805),charging of the battery 622 of the information processing apparatus 600has not been completed, and thus the process returns to step S804.

If it is determined in step S805 that the receiving unit 708 has notreceived a during-charging-indication packet (NO in step S805), chargingof the battery 622 of the information processing apparatus 600 has beencompleted, or the information processing apparatus 600 has been moved tothe outside of a communication area of the charging apparatus 700. Thus,the control unit 718 causes the transmitting unit 710 of the chargingunit 706 to stop transmitting charging power (step S806), and theprocess ends.

Configuration of Information Processing System According to FourthEmbodiment

Hereinafter, an information processing system according to a fourthembodiment of the invention will be described. FIGS. 23A and 23Billustrate an information processing system 130 according to the fourthembodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 23A, the information processing system 130 includesthe information processing apparatus 800, such as a mobile phoneterminal, that has a noncontact communication function and that does nothave a noncontact charging function and the charging apparatus 300. Thecharging apparatus 300 may have a reader/writer function.

The information processing apparatus 800 has a battery therein (notillustrated) and is provided with a single antenna 802 that is used forcommunicating with the charging apparatus 300.

The charging apparatus 300 is provided with the single antenna 302 thatis used for communicating with the information processing apparatus 800and transmitting power for charging the battery of the informationprocessing apparatus 200 illustrated in FIG. 2, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 23B, in the information processing system 130,noncontact communication is performed when the information processingapparatus 800 is placed on the charging apparatus 300 or when theinformation processing apparatus 800 is close to the charging apparatus300.

In the information processing system 130 according to the fourthembodiment, the information processing apparatus 800 performs acommunication process described below with reference to FIG. 25, and thecharging apparatus 300 performs the above-described secondcommunication/charging process illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.Accordingly, noncontact communication between the information processingapparatus 800 and the charging apparatus 300 can be efficientlyperformed by using the single antennas in both the apparatuses.

Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus According to FourthEmbodiment

Next, the information processing apparatus 800 according to the fourthembodiment of the invention will be described. FIG. 24 is a blockdiagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the informationprocessing apparatus 800 according to the fourth embodiment of theinvention.

Referring to FIG. 24, the information processing apparatus 800 includesthe antenna 802, a communication unit 812, a control unit 818, acharging IC 820, and a battery 822.

The antenna 802 receives a packet transmitted from the chargingapparatus 300. The Q value of the antenna 802 is set to a low Q value.

The communication unit 812 includes a receiving unit 814 that receives apacket received by the antenna 802. Also, the communication unit 812includes a transmitting unit 816 that transmits a response packet to thecharging apparatus 300. The transmitting unit 816 transmits a responsepacket by using load modulation at a normal data transmission rate.

The control unit 818 controls the communication unit 812 and thecharging IC 820. The charging IC 820 performs charging of the battery822 and efficiently supplies the power of the battery 822 to the eachunit of the information processing apparatus 800.

Communication Process Performed by Information Processing ApparatusAccording to Fourth Embodiment

Next, a communication process performed by the information processingapparatus 800 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention willbe described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the communication processperformed by the information processing apparatus 800 according to thefourth embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 25, the control unit 818 of the information processingapparatus 800 causes the receiving unit 814 of the communication unit812 to wait for a carrier of 13.56 MHz, for example, transmitted fromthe charging apparatus 300 (step S901).

Subsequently, the control unit 818 determines whether the receiving unit814 has received a carrier or not (step S902). If the receiving unit 814has not received a carrier (NO in step S902), the process returns tostep S901.

If it is determined in step S902 that the receiving unit 814 hasreceived a carrier (YES in step S902), the control unit 818 causes thereceiving unit 814 of the communication unit 818 to wait for a pollingsignal transmitted from the charging apparatus 300 (step S903).

Subsequently, the control unit 818 determines whether the receiving unit814 has received a polling signal or not (step S904). If the receivingunit 814 has not received a polling signal (NO in step S904), theprocess returns to step S903.

If it is determined in step S904 that the receiving unit 814 hasreceived a polling signal (YES in step S904), the control unit 818causes the transmitting unit 816 to transmit a response to the pollingsignal to the charging apparatus 300 (step S905).

Subsequently, the control unit 818 performs a normal noncontactcommunication process with the charging apparatus 300 (step S906), andthe process ends.

Configuration of Information Processing System According to FifthEmbodiment

Hereinafter, an information processing system according to a fifthembodiment of the invention will be described. FIGS. 26A and 26Billustrate an information processing system 140 according to the fifthembodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 26A, the information processing system 140 includesthe information processing apparatus 900, such as a mobile phoneterminal, that has a noncontact charging function and that does not havea noncontact communication function and the charging apparatus 300. Thecharging apparatus 300 may have a reader/writer function.

The information processing apparatus 900 has a battery therein (notillustrated) and is provided with a single antenna 902 that is used forcommunicating with the charging apparatus 300 and receiving power forcharging the battery.

The charging apparatus 300 is provided with the single antenna 302 thatis used for communicating with the information processing apparatus 900and transmitting power for charging the battery of the informationprocessing apparatus 900.

As illustrated in FIG. 26B, in the information processing system 140,noncontact charging of the battery of the information processingapparatus 900 is performed when the information processing apparatus 900is placed on the charging apparatus 300 or when the informationprocessing apparatus 900 is close to the charging apparatus 300.

In the information processing system 140 according to the fifthembodiment, the information processing apparatus 900 performs acommunication process described below with reference to FIG. 28, and thecharging apparatus 300 performs the above-described secondcommunication/charging process illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.Accordingly, noncontact charging between the information processingapparatus 900 and the charging apparatus 300 can be efficientlyperformed by using single antennas in both the apparatuses.

Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus According to FifthEmbodiment

Next, the information processing apparatus 900 according to the fifthembodiment of the invention will be described. FIG. 27 is a blockdiagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the informationprocessing apparatus 900 according to the fifth embodiment of theinvention.

Referring to FIG. 27, the information processing apparatus 900 includesthe antenna 902, a charging unit 906, a control unit 918, a charging IC920, and the battery 922.

The antenna 902 receives a packet transmitted from the chargingapparatus 300. Also, the antenna 902 receives power for charging thebattery 922 from the charging apparatus 300. The Q value of the antenna902 is set to a high Q value.

The charging unit 906 includes a receiving unit 908 that receives powerfor charging the battery 922 received by the antenna 902. Also, thecharging unit 906 includes a transmitting unit 910 that transmits aduring-charging-indication packet for intermittently requestingcontinuation of transmission of charging power to the charging apparatus300 until charging of the battery 922 is completed. The transmittingunit 910 transmits the during-charging-indication packet by using loadmodulation at a data transmission rate lower than a normal datatransmission rate.

The control unit 918 controls the charging unit 906 and the charging IC920. The charging IC 920 performs charging of the battery 922 andefficiently supplies the power of the battery 922 to each unit of theinformation processing apparatus 900.

Charging Process Performed by Information Processing Apparatus Accordingto Fifth Embodiment

Next, a charging process performed by the information processingapparatus 900 according to the fifth embodiment of the invention will bedescribed. FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the charging process performed bythe information processing apparatus 900 according to the fifthembodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 28, the control unit 918 of the information processingapparatus 900 causes the receiving unit 908 of the charging unit 906 towait for a carrier of 13.56 MHz, for example, transmitted from thecharging apparatus 300 (step S1001).

Subsequently, the control unit 918 determines whether the receiving unit908 has received a carrier or not (step S1002). If the receiving unit908 has not received a carrier (NO in step S1002), the process returnsto step S1001.

If it is determined in step S1002 that the receiving unit 908 hasreceived a carrier (YES in step S1002), the control unit 918 waits for acharging authentication packet transmitted from the charging apparatus300 (step S1003). In step S1003, the charging apparatus 300 performscommunication at a sufficiently-low data transmission rate so thatcommunication can be performed even if the Q value of the antenna 902 ishigh.

Subsequently, the control unit 918 determines whether the receiving unit908 has received a charging authentication packet or not (step S1004).If the receiving unit 908 has not received a charging authenticationpacket (NO in step S1004), the process returns to step S1003.

If it is determined in step S1004 that the receiving unit 908 hasreceived a charging authentication packet (YES in step S1004), thecontrol unit 918 determines whether the received charging authenticationpacket is valid or not (step S1005). If the charging authenticationpacket is not valid (NO in step S1005), the process returns to stepS1003.

If it is determined in step S1005 that the charging authenticationpacket is valid (YES in step S1005), the control unit 918 causes thetransmitting unit 910 to transmit a charging authentication packet tothe charging apparatus 300 (step S1006).

Subsequently, the control unit 918 monitors charging of the battery 922(step S1007).

Subsequently, the control unit 918 determines whether the receiving unit908 is receiving power for charging the battery 922 or not (step S1008).

If it is determined in step S1008 that the receiving unit 908 isreceiving charging power (YES in step S1008), the control unit 918obtains remaining power information of the battery 922 from the chargingIC 920 and determines whether the battery 922 is fully charged or not(step S1009).

If it is determined in step S1009 that the battery 922 is not fullycharged (NO in step S1009), the control unit 918 causes the transmittingunit 910 to transmit a during-charging-indication packet to the chargingapparatus 300 (step S1010), and the process returns to step S1007. Instep S1010, communication is performed at a sufficiently-low datatransmission rate so that communication can be performed even if the Qvalue of the antenna 902 is high.

If it is determined in step S1009 that the battery 922 is fully charged(YES in step S1009), the control unit 918 does not cause thetransmitting unit 910 to transmit a during-charging-indication packet tothe charging apparatus 300, and the process returns to step S1007.

If it is determined in step S1008 that the receiving unit 908 is notreceiving charging power, that is, if reception of power from thecharging apparatus 300 stops because the control unit 918 does not causethe transmitting unit 910 to transmit a during-charging-indicationpacket, or if the information processing apparatus 900 has been moved tothe outside of a communication area of the charging apparatus 300 (NO instep S1008), the process ends.

Programs for Information Processing System 100 According to EmbodimentProgram for Information Processing Apparatus 200

By using a program that causes a computer to function as the informationprocessing apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the invention,noncontact communication and noncontact charging can be efficientlyperformed by using a single antenna.

Program for Charging Apparatus 300

By using a program that causes a computer to function as the chargingapparatus 300 according to an embodiment of the invention, noncontactcommunication and noncontact charging can be efficiently performed byusing a single antenna.

According to the description given above, there are provided programs(computer programs) that cause a computer to function as the informationprocessing apparatus 200 or the charging apparatus 300 according to anembodiment. Furthermore, an embodiment can also provide a storage mediumthat stores the above-described programs.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope and without diminishing itsintended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes andmodifications be covered by the appended claims.

The application is claimed as follows:
 1. An information processingapparatus comprising: a communication circuitry with an externalapparatus in a noncontact manner by using a carrier of a predeterminedfrequency and charging an external battery in a noncontact manner; and acontrol circuitry configured to control a characteristic of at least oneof communication and charging.
 2. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the communication circuitry includes aresonance circuit having a coil that has a predetermined inductance anda capacitor that has a predetermined electrostatic capacity, and a Qvalue changing circuit configured to selectively enable a load forchanging a Q value or change a resistance value of the load.
 3. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thecommunication circuitry includes a resonance circuit having a first coilthat has a predetermined inductance and a capacitor that has apredetermined electrostatic capacity, and a circuit that is placed nearthe resonance circuit, that is selectively enabled to change a Q value,that is electrically insulated from the resonance circuit, and that hasa second coil.
 4. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to: obtain aresponse signal that is transmitted from the external apparatus, that isa response to charging authentication information transmitted to theexternal apparatus, and that serves as information about charging of thebattery, and obtain charging continuation information that isintermittently transmitted from the external apparatus during chargingof the battery and that serves as information about charging of thebattery, wherein the control circuitry determines whether charging ofthe battery is to be performed or not on the basis of the responsesignal or the charging continuation information, and wherein the settingcircuitry sets a Q value of the communication circuitry to a first valuewhen the determining unit determines that charging of the battery is tobe performed and sets the Q value of the communication circuitry to asecond value when the control circuitry determines that charging of thebattery is not to be performed.
 5. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 4, further comprising: a power transmitting circuitryconfigured to transmit power for charging the battery to the externalapparatus; and a power transmission stop circuitry configured to stoptransmission of the power by the power transmitting circuitry when thecharging continuation information obtaining circuitry stops obtainingthe charging continuation information that is intermittently obtained.6. An information processing apparatus comprising: a battery, acommunication circuitry configured to perform communication with acharging apparatus in a noncontact manner by using a carrier of apredetermined frequency and charging the battery in a noncontact manner;and a control circuitry configured to control a characteristic of atleast one of communication and charging.
 7. The information processingapparatus according to claim 6, wherein the communication circuitryincludes a resonance circuit having a coil that has a predeterminedinductance and a capacitor that has a predetermined electrostaticcapacity, and a Q value changing circuit configured to selectivelyenable a load for changing a Q value or change a resistance value of theload.
 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6,wherein the communication circuitry includes a resonance circuit havinga first coil that has a predetermined inductance and a capacitor thathas a predetermined electrostatic capacity, and a circuit that is placednear the resonance circuit, that is selectively enabled to change a Qvalue, that is electrically insulated from the resonance circuit, andthat has a second coil.
 9. An information processing apparatuscomprising a control circuitry configured to control a characteristic ofcommunication and charging.
 10. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein the control circuitry is configured to:obtain a response signal that is transmitted from an external apparatus,that is a response to charging authentication information transmitted tothe external apparatus, and that serves as information about charging ofa battery, and obtain charging continuation information that isintermittently transmitted from the external apparatus during chargingof the battery and that serves as information about charging of thebattery, wherein the control circuitry determines whether charging ofthe battery is to be performed or not on the basis of the responsesignal or the charging continuation information, and wherein the settingcircuitry sets a Q value associated with communication to a first valuewhen a determining circuitry determines that charging of the battery isto be performed and sets the Q value to a second value when the controlcircuitry determines that charging of the battery is not to beperformed.
 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim10, further comprising: a power transmitting circuitry configured totransmit power for charging the battery to the external apparatus; and apower transmission stop circuitry configured to stop transmission of thepower by the power transmitting circuitry when the charging continuationinformation obtaining circuitry stops obtaining the chargingcontinuation information that is intermittently obtained.